American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Summary 3

The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a large black bird of with a short square tail. They are frequently seen in large flocks on all parts of the campus. Sexes are similar in appearance though the males may be slightly larger than females. Their call is very nasal

Similar SpeciesCommon Raven Common Ravens are much larger birds. They have thicker, longer bills and in flight, their tail has a wedge or diamond shape.

Brewer's Blackbird Are much smaller than crows, also have a glossier color and a yellow eye.

Where on Campus? 4

Crows can be seen all over the campus. They are very opportunistic and often gather in groups where people are eating and near garbage cans.

Habitat 4

American Crows can be found in a wide variety of habitats including fields, woodlands, forests, lawns, parking lots and parks.

Life History 4

Nesting American Crows usually do not start breeding until they are 4 years old. In many cases, the young will stay with their parents for a few years to help them raise new generations. Both the male and female will build the nest together out of medium-sized twigs, bark and grass and herbs.
Feeding Crows are opportunistic omnivores and will eat anything they can get including insects and other invertebrates , small animals, fish, shellfish and birds, roadkill, fruits and nuts and garbage.

Distribution 4

American Crows are found throughout the U.S. and Canada except in the Southwest.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Anita Gould, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Anita Gould, http://www.flickr.com/photos/61897811@N00/2470003522
  2. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Corvus-brachyrhynchos-001.jpg/460px-Corvus-brachyrhynchos-001.jpg
  3. Adapted by gillian360 from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvus_brachyrhynchos
  4. (c) gillian360, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

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