American Crow
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Corvus
Species: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Widespread over the continent of North America, the American Crow is easily identified by its iconic caw and large size. It can eat nearly anything from carrion to the chicks of other birds, and it often gathers in great numbers when it roosts. It has strong familial connections, and the chicks of a previous generation often help their parents raise the next generation. When the American Crow decides to eat carrion, it cannot break the skin of most animals and must wait until a larger predator or scavenger comes to open up the carcass. It has also been known to capture songbirds that have been exhausted from a migration, follow parent birds to their nests, and even steal food from larger predators. The American Crow is among the most intelligent animals due to its use and creation of tools. It has been known to shape sticks and use cups to carry water while in captivity.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Large bird often found in flocks; plumage is matte black
Length: 17-18 inches
Wingspan: 39 inches
Diet: Can eat almost anything, including insects, worms, snails, wasps, grains, fruits, nectar, carrion, garbage, and even young birds and chicks
Habitat: Woodland edges, parks, fields, and open country
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
