Carrion Crow (also known simply as the Common Crow or Black Crow)

The Carrion Crow is an intelligent, entirely black bird with a strong, stout bill and a confident gait. Known for their problem-solving abilities, crows are familiar sights across the British countryside and urban parks alike. This contour feather exhibits the classic dark, glossy sheen characteristic of corvid plumage.

Uniform dark charcoal grey to solid black with subtle iridescent sheen showing blue-green highlights in direct light, typical of corvid melanin pigmentation.

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into fluffy plumulaceous downy barbs at the base.

Sturdy, dark central rachis with uniform barb density, tapering smoothly toward the tip with barbs tightly aligned along the shaft.

Smooth, slightly glossy appearance on the dorsal surface, with a soft, pliable, and silky texture towards the downy base.

Body contour or wing covert feather, likely from the upper wing or flank, providing sleek aerodynamic coverage.

Solid black/dark grey coloration, strong central dark rachis, and a distinctive rounded contour shape with a fluffy downy base.

Found in a wide range of open and semi-open habitats including agricultural land, woodlands, coastal regions, and urban areas near water bodies like reservoirs.

Widespread across Western and Central Europe, extending eastward into parts of Asia. Highly adaptable resident bird throughout its range in the UK.

Acts as an important scavenger and generalist predator, helping regulate small mammal populations and recycle organic matter in the ecosystem.

Rook (Corvus frugilegus) and Common Raven (Corvus corax). Raven feathers are significantly larger, while Rook contour feathers often show different structural gloss and feather wear around the base.

Carrion crows possess exceptional problem-solving intelligence, capable of using tools, recognizing human faces, and passing complex cognitive tests.

In folklore, crows are often associated with intelligence, mystery, and prophecy. Historically, their feathers were occasionally used for crafting pens or decorative purposes.

Look near water edges, reservoir banks, and open fields where corvids gather to bathe and forage. Check beneath roosting trees for naturally dropped feathers.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing standard wear typical of a naturally molted feather found outdoors.

Reservoir in uk