American Crow

Entirely black plumage with iridescent purple, blue, or green highlights in bright sunlight. Sexes are visually similar, though males tend to be slightly larger. Juveniles have duller, brownish-black plumage and blue or brown eyes compared to the dark brown/black eyes of adults.

All-black plumage, medium size, strong straight bill, and a distinctly squared tail when seen in flight.

Length: 40-53 cm (16-21 inches); Wingspan: 85-100 cm (33-39 inches); Weight: 300-600 g (11-21 oz)

A well-known, loud, harsh caw or 'ah-ah' sound, along with a wide variety of clicks, rattles, and soft-sounding chatters.

Omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, fruit, insects, small animals, eggs, nestlings, and carrion. Forages primarily on the ground.

Open woodlands, agricultural fields, pastures, orchards, parks, and urban/suburban areas.

Mostly a year-round resident, though northern populations may migrate shorter distances southward in winter depending on food availability.

Builds a bulky stick nest high in trees. Lays 3 to 6 bluish-green, speckled eggs. Both parents, often assisted by offspring from previous years as helpers, raise the young.

Common Raven (which is larger, has a heavier bill, and a wedge-shaped tail in flight) and Fish Crow (which is smaller with a noticeably higher-pitched, nasal call).

Acts as an omnivorous scavenger, helping to clean up organic debris and carrion, while also aiding in seed dispersal.

Least Concern, with stable or increasing populations.

Look and listen for them in open fields, agricultural areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. They are often seen in large communal roosts, especially outside the breeding season.

American crows are exceptionally intelligent, capable of recognizing human faces, using tools, and passing down complex knowledge through generations.