The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a large passerine bird species of the family Corvidae. It is a common bird found throughout much of North America. In the interior of the continent south of the Arctic, it is simply called "the crow", as no other such birds occur there on any regular basis. It has 5 subspecies, including the Northwestern Crow, whose ancestors split during the Ice Age.
American Crows are common, widespread and adaptable, but highly susceptible to the West Nile Virus. They are monitored as a bioindicator. Direct transmission of the virus from American Crows to humans is not recorded to date, and in any case not considered likely.
Description[]
American Crows are 43-51 cm long and weigh from 316 to 620 g, with males being larger than females. It is one of the several corvid species that are entirely black, though it can be distinguished from the other two such birds in its range—from the Common Raven (C. corax) by size and behavior and from the Fish Crow (C. ossifragus) by call. It is also distinguished from the Raven by its smaller, more curved bill than the parallel bill of the raven, and its squared tail.
Although both the American Crow and the Hooded Crow strongly resemble in size, structure and behavior, their calls are different. The American Crow, nevertheless, occupies the same role the Hooded Crow does in Eurasia.
Voice[]
One of the American Crow's most iconic calls ever heard is a loud, short and rapid CAW!-CAW!-CAW!. In addition, usually thrust their heads up and down when making this call. Other sounds are emitted out as well, especially rattles, and they sometimes mimic other animals, particularly the ones made by other birds, especially the Barred Owl. They're mostly noisy birds.
Behavior[]
These are very intelligent and sociable birds that can flock in large numbers around farmland. The average life expectancy in the wild is 7-8 years. In captivity, birds are known to live up to 30 years.
Feeding[]
An omnivorous bird, the American Crow feeds on various invertebrates, carrion, human food debris, plant seeds, bird eggs and their chicks, fish and grain washed ashore. The bird also hunts mice, frogs and small animals. In autumn and winter, nuts and acorns make up a significant part of the diet; sometimes, these crows fly to the feeders. They often feed on the ground and often go after organic remains within landfills. They can also use tools to get food.
Breeding and Nesting[]
American Crows are monogamous birds, and the pairs unite in large families and help each other raise chicks. The breeding season begins in spring, sometimes in early April. They almost always nest in trees, sometimes in bushes and very rarely directly on the ground. Most often, American Crows nest on oak trees. The clutch usually contains 3-6 eggs, and the incubation period lasts 18 days. Chicks begin to fly about 5 weeks after hatching.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The American Crow is widespread in North America from the Pacific coast up to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean, and down to northern Mexico. It is absent in the tundra part, giving the way to the Common Raven. Birds living in the United States do not perform the migration, while the greater part of these crows living in Canada fly farther south for the winter.
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