American Crow (Common Crow)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Flight feathers (Remiges); the left is a primary, the right is likely a secondary or a tertiary flight feather.
Species
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Feather Type
Flight feathers (Remiges); the left is a primary, the right is likely a secondary or a tertiary flight feather.
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane typical of flight feathers; the left specimen shows a slight emargination (narrowing) at the tip characteristic of wing primaries, while the right is more rounded.
Size
Approximately 9-11 inches in length; the large size is consistent with the primary flight feathers of an adult American Crow.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widely recognized and frequently encountered birds in North America.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly iridescent black with a subtle violet or blue sheen visible in direct light; the underside (ventral) is slightly more matte/greyish-black; the calamus (quill) is translucent white/grey near the base.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the main vane with a plumulaceous (fuzzy) base near the calamus; the barbs are stiff and well-knit for flight.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and remarkably stiff; the surface is somewhat water-repellent and has a metallic luster characteristic of corvid feathers.
Description
The American Crow is a large, all-black bird with a thick bill and a sturdy build. Crows are famous for their intelligence and social complexity. The feathers are designed for powerful, flapping flight, lacking the silent-flight adaptations of owls. Despite the 'fuzzy' part at the bottom (downy barbs for insulation), these are classic corvid flight feathers.
Key Features
Solid black coloration with iridescence, asymmetrical vane for flight, and a white/translucent quill base.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in woodlands, agricultural fields, city parks, suburban yards, and coastal areas.
Geographic Range
Widespread resident across most of North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the feathers appear to be naturally molted rather than damaged by a predator, showing typical wear at the tips.
Interesting Facts
Crows are known to recognize individual human faces and can communicate specific threats to other members of their flock; they also use tools, such as sticks, to extract food.
Ecological Role
Generalist omnivores that act as both scavengers and predators; they play a significant role in 'cleaning' the environment and dispersing seeds.
Similar Species
Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers, more heavy rachis), Fish Crow (nearly identical, usually requires vocalization or size comparison to distinguish), and Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).
Notes
the feather to the right has a lighter fuzzy part at the bottom, could it still be a crow?