How To

How to Identify Crows

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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.

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