How to Identify Crows

You may think that every large, black bird that you see is a crow, but you would not be correct. Instead of eating crow the next time a flock of black birds passes overhead, learn how to identify the real McCoy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure that you are located in an area where crows live. The bird is prevalent in a variety of habitats in North America, but prefers open spaces, such as fields and farmlands. Crows are not found in deserts.

2. Learn what to look for. The American Crow has black feathers with a violet/green iridescence color. They often display a glossy sheen, dark brown eyes, black legs and a wide bills. Pay attention to their short, fan-shaped tails and rounded wings. Male and female crows have the same appearance. However, juvenile crows have fluffier feathers and less sheen.

3. Observe the size of the crow. Crows are 16 to 20 inches long, weigh between .6 to 1.6 pounds and have an 33- to 39-in. wingspan. Male crows are slightly larger and heavier than female crows.

4. Listen to the sounds of the crow. These birds emit a variety of sounds, but most often a loud, hardh "caw-caw." Crows also may coo and rattle.

5. Observe the crow in flight. Crows glide through the air in a steady, slow flight pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to not confuse the American Crow with the Common Raven, a bird with a similar appearance. The Common Raven has a larger bill than the American Crow and a deeper call.
• Do not confuse the Common Grackle with the American Crow. The Common Grackle is smaller than the American Crow with a much longer, keel-shaped tail.

Resources

• All About Birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.