American Crow (Common Crow)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Passeriformes; Family: Corvidae; Genus: Corvus; Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens) · Flight feather (secondary remex)
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos (High confidence)
Feather Type
Flight feather (secondary remex)
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane typical of flight feathers, with a broad trailing edge and a slightly more narrow, rounded leading edge toward the tip. The overall outline is elongated and rectangular.
Size
Estimated 15-18 cm (approximately 6-7 inches) in length and 4-5 cm in width. This falls within the typical range for secondary feathers of an adult American Crow.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widely recognized and abundant birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Solid iridescent black with a slight violet-blue or greenish sheen visible under direct light. The underside (ventral surface) is more matte and charcoal-grey. No banding or spots are present, indicating a mature adult bird.
Barb Structure
Primarily pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency. The base of the feather shows a small plumulaceous (downy) section. Barbules are intact but show some mechanical wear at the distal tip.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat glossy on the upper surface due to structural coloration. The vane is stiff and resilient but flexible enough to withstand aerodynamic pressure.
Description
This is a robust, solid black flight feather from an American Crow. Crows are large, intelligent, all-black passerines with heavy bills and rounded tails. They are known for their social behavior and 'caw' vocalizations. Adult plumage is entirely black and develops an iridescent sheen after molting.
Key Features
Uniform oily-black coloration, iridescent sheen, sturdy black rachis, and the specific rounded-rectangular shape of a passerine secondary feather.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, shorelines, and suburban yards. They generally avoid dense, unbroken coniferous forests.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout most of North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to northern Mexico. They are year-round residents in the majority of their range.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is notable 'nicking' or fraying at the tip of the feather, likely caused by contact with vegetation or airborne debris. No significant fault bars or parasite damage are visible.
Interesting Facts
American Crows are known to use tools and can recognize individual human faces. They often live in large family groups and cooperate to drive off large predators like hawks and owls through 'mobbing.'
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavengers and predators that play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations. They are also known to disperse seeds.
Similar Species
Common Raven (Corvus corax) feathers are larger and more wedge-shaped. Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) feathers are nearly identical but slightly smaller and require geographic or vocal context to distinguish for certain.