American Crow

A large, all-black bird with a thick bill. American Crows are highly intelligent social birds known for their distinct 'caw' vocalizations. They have a wingspan of about 33–39 inches and fly with steady, methodical wingbeats.

Uniformly iridescent black or charcoal grey depending on light; the dorsal surface is darker with a subtle violet or blue sheen characteristic of melanin-based structural color. The ventral (underside) is slightly more matte/silvery-grey.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for flight rigidity; some plumulaceous (downy) structure at the very base (calamus area). Barbs show some wear and separation.

Relatively stiff and smooth, with a glossy finish on the dorsal side. The vane feels slightly oily/water-resistant, a common trait for large passerines.

Uniform black coloration with iridescent sheen, asymmetrical primary shape, and specific size (smaller than a Common Raven's primary but larger than a Blue Jay's).

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, suburban yards, and shorelines.

Widespread throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Most populations are year-round residents, though northernmost birds may migrate south.

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations. They also act as 'sentinels' for other wildlife by mobbing predators like hawks.

Common Raven (Corvus corax) feathers are significantly larger and more tapered; Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) feathers are nearly identical but slightly smaller and usually require specimen comparison.

Crows are capable of recognizing individual human faces and can communicate specific threats to other members of their flock. They are also known to use tools, such as using sticks to extract insects.

Fair to Good. The feather shows signs of wear (fraying at the edges and separation of barbs) and sun-bleaching, suggesting it is a molted feather from the late summer cycle.