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 feathers (Remiges); specifically Secondary flight feathers from the wing.
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Feather Type
Flight feathers (Remiges); specifically Secondary flight feathers from the wing.
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Ravens)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane with a slightly rounded to squared tip; the trailing vane is significantly broader than the leading vane, which is characteristic of wing feathers.
Size
Approximately 6.5 to 7.5 inches (16-19 cm) in length; this is consistent with the secondary feathers of an adult American Crow.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widespread and easily recognizable birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly iridescent black or charcoal. Under certain lighting, a subtle violet or blue-green sheen may be visible due to structural coloration. The ventral (underside) surface is more matte and grey-black.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for flight efficiency, becoming plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and somewhat stiff. The surface has a slight oily sheen that helps with water repellency and aerodynamic flow.
Description
These are deep black feathers from the American Crow, a large, intelligent passerine. The bird is entirely black with a heavy bill and a fan-shaped tail in flight. Known for their 'caw-caw' vocalizations, they are highly social and often seen in large communal roosts.
Key Features
Solid black coloration without banding, asymmetrical wing feather shape, iridescent sheen, and a size too small for a Raven but too large for a Blackbird.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, orchards, shorelines, city parks, and suburban yards.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Northernmost populations may migrate slightly south in winter.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There are some minor splits in the barbs (venting) likely caused by handling or natural wear, but the color remains deep and the rachis is intact.
Interesting Facts
Crows are famous for their intelligence; they can solve complex problems, recognize individual human faces for years, and have been observed using tools to extract food.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, though they also impact songbird nests.
Similar Species
Common Raven (significantly larger feather with more wedge-shaped tail), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires geographical or vocal context), and Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).