American Crow

A medium-sized all-black passerine with a heavy bill. Crows are known for their intelligence, social roosts, and distinctive 'caw' vocalizations. This feather represents the robust, durable plumage necessary for their varied lifestyle.

Solid matte black with a subtle iridescent blue-violet or steel-gray sheen when viewed in bright light. The reverse (ventral) side is slightly duller gray-black.

Pennaceous throughout most of the vane; barbs are tightly interlocked with hooklets; plumulaceous (downy) structure is concentrated near the base of the calamus.

The surface is smooth and relatively stiff with a velvety matte appearance; the rachis is glossy and strong.

Concolorous black pigmentation, 9cm length, symmetrical vane, and a thick, dark rachis characteristic of corvids.

Highly adaptable: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban gardens, and coastal areas throughout San Diego.

Resident throughout North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico; year-round resident in Southern California.

Generalist omnivore and scavenger; plays a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations. They are also known nest predators.

Common Raven (significantly larger feathers, more pointed), Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller, highly iridescent), or various Hawk species (which would show banding).

American Crows are capable of facial recognition and have been observed using tools. They often congregate in massive winter roosts numbering in the thousands.

Good condition. The feather shows minor wear at the tip and some debris on the calamus (quill), suggesting it was molted naturally.

San Diego, CA 9cm long