American Crow

A large, all-black passerine with a heavy bill and a short, squared-off or slightly rounded tail. This feather reflects the bird's hardy and adaptable nature. Adult crows have a wing span of about 3 feet and are known for their intelligent, social behavior.

Uniformly charcoal black to deep ebony. Under certain lighting, a subtle iridescent violet or blue sheen may be visible. The ventral side is slightly more matte and grayish than the dorsal side.

Densely pennaceous and interlocked throughout the majority of the vane; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base (calamus area) for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and slightly glossy on the dorsal surface. The vane feels firm and 'zips' back together easily due to healthy barbicels.

Deep black coloration without banding or spots; a thick dark rachis; rounded tip; and a subtle iridescent sheen characteristic of the Corvid family.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, suburban yards, and shorelines.

Ubiquitous across North America, ranging from southern Canada through the most of the continental United States into northern Mexico.

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

Common Raven (larger, more pointed tip, coarser texture), Fish Crow (nearly identical, requires measurements or location context), and Brewer's Blackbird (much smaller).

American Crows are among the most intelligent animals in the world, capable of using tools, recognizing individual human faces, and mourning their dead in communal 'funerals'.

Good to Excellent condition. The edges show very minor wear (fraying) at the trailing edge, suggesting it was naturally molted during the post-breeding season.