American Crow

This is a primary flight feather from the American Crow, a large, intelligent, all-black passerine. The bird itself features a heavy bill, broad wings, and a short, squared-off tail. Crows are famous for their complex social structures and wide variety of raucous ‘caw’ vocalizations.

Uniformly iridescent black with subtle violet or blue sheen when viewed in direct sunlight. The underside is a more matte charcoal gray.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present at the base near the calamus for insulation.

Smooth and glossy on the dorsal side; stiff and slightly oily to provide water resistance; matte and velvety on the ventral surface.

Solid black coloration with iridescence, asymmetrical vane shape, and a dark rachis throughout the length of the feather.

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

Common year-round resident throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Omnivorous scavengers and predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, but can also impact songbird nests.

Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, identified better by call), and Brewer’s Blackbird (much smaller).

American Crows are known to use tools, recognize individual human faces, and even hold 'funerals' for deceased members of their flock.

Good condition; minor fraying at the base and tip suggests natural wear or the result of the molting process.