American Crow

A large, all-black passerine reaching 16-21 inches in length. Crows are famous for their intelligence, social complexites, and 'caw' vocalizations. This feather exhibits the classic soot-black coloration and structural integrity required for their steady, flapping flight style.

Uniformly iridescent black/charcoal in life, appearing brownish-black or 'sepia' in sunlight due to wear; subtle violet or blue-green iridescence may be visible under direct light; underside is slightly more matte gray.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present only at the extreme base near the calamus.

Smooth, stiff, and glossy with a slight oily sheen for water resistance; the leading edge is notably firm to withstand air pressure.

Solid black/brown-black coloration, distinct asymmetry of flight feather, lack of white or grey banding, and a slight metallic sheen.

Highly adaptable; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, suburban yards, city parks, and shorelines.

Ubiquitous across North America, from southern Canada throughout the United States to northern Mexico; mostly resident, though northernmost populations may move south.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; plays a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations; also a host/victim for West Nile Virus.

Common Raven (larger, more wedge-shaped tail feathers), Fish Crow (nearly identical, distinguished best by voice), or Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).

Crows are capable of facial recognition and can remember individual humans for years; they are known to use tools and pass down knowledge through generations.

Fair to Good; shows signs of moderate wear and sun-fading (browning), suggesting it was molted naturally at the end of a breeding season.