American Crow

A solid black feather from the American Crow, a highly intelligent and social bird known for its all-black plumage, heavy black bill, and distinctive 'caw-caw' vocalization. Crows have a wingspan of about 33-39 inches and are famous for their problem-solving abilities.

Uniformly iridiscent black. Under certain lighting, a subtle purple or blue sheen may be visible, though it appears solid charcoal/black in flat light.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a firm, air-resistant surface for flight; base exhibits a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure.

Smooth, glossy, and relatively stiff. The surface is designed to be aerodynamic and exhibits a slight satin sheen characteristic of mature corvids.

Solid black coloration, stiff rachis, and the specific scale-like sheen that distinguishes corvids from other black birds like starlings or grackles.

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburbs, and coastal areas near Clearwater, Florida.

Year-round resident across most of North America; ubiquitous throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect and rodent populations.

Fish Crow (C. ossifragus) - nearly identical but usually smaller and found in coastal areas; Boat-tailed Grackle - feathers are narrower and have a deeper iridescent sheen.

Crows can recognize individual human faces and are known to hold 'funerals' where they gather around a deceased member of their species to learn about potential threats.

Good condition; the vane is largely intact with minor fraying at the tip, suggesting it was naturally molted recently.

Clearwater Florida