How to Identify a Crow

The stereotypical image of the crow is that of a scavenger bird which acts as a nuisance to humans. Home and land owners who have problems with crows may not realize how to manipulate the environment to make the area less attractive to crows. You need to know how to identify the behavior of crows to understand ways to fend them off more effectively over the long term.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars

1. Note the bill. Crows have a short black beak used to grasp small amounts of food.

2. Observe the wingspan. American crows have a wingspan between 16 and 20 inches, though a few crows have wingspans up to 24 inches in length.

3. Examine the eyes. An American crow has rich brown eyes which stand out from its pure black feathers.

4. Appreciate the subtle coloration. Crows appear totally black from a distance, but a closer inspection under bright light will reveal a violet tint to the feathers.

5. Listen for the call. An American crow emits sustained shrieks and distinctive "caws" during feeding and mating seasons.

6. Study mating habits. Crows do not begin reproducing until their third birthday, and larger broods are created even later in life. Crows begin life with soft brown feathers with black tints, which then become dominant during the bird's adolescence.

7. Look for crowds. Crows roost in large groups. Unused farms, garages and grassy lands are popular places to find hundreds or even thousands of crows.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminate attractive feeders and roosting areas on your property when you identify a large group of crows hanging around your land. A crow will set up a nesting area near reliable food sources and leave for days on end searching for additional food. You should monitor sheltered and covered areas on your property for signs of crow roosting.