American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Life span American crows have a lifespan of around 6 to 10 years, though many can live much longer. A researcher at Cornell University once recorded a wild crow as living over 15 years, and pet crows are often recorded as living well over 20 years. Statistics Length: 16-21 inches, Wingspan: 33-39 inches. Weight: 11 - 22 ounces Physical Description The American crow is a black bird, averaging around 18 inches long. Crows have black feathers, beaks, legs and feet. Crows and ravens look very much alike and are often misidentified for each other. Crows differ from ravens in appearance by their shorter, thinner beaks, and are about six inches shorter than a raven. Distribution The American Crow inhabits all of North America from coast to coast, and can also be found in Canada and Northern Mexico. Habitat American Crows live in a variety of different settings. They can be found in parks, woodland areas, orchards, farms, as well as urban and suburban settings. Diet American Crows are omnivorous, they will eat anything from seeds, grains, and fruits, to invertebrates, carrion (scavenged carcass), and small animals. Crows are known to store excess food in various places like under leaves or ground cover, in trees, and other convenient places. Behavior The American crow is considered to be among the most intelligent bird species. They are monogamous mates, and establish tight knit communities to help defend their area against predators and raise young. Crows are known to communicate a wide  range of messages through their calls, and can also mimic the sounds made by other animals. In the winter, crows roost in large flocks reaching up to 1000 birds. They Reproduction American Crows are monogamous cooperative breeding birds, meaning mates stay with one partner while raising the young, and the offspring with stick around to help with raising more offspring. Crows do not reach mating age until they are 2 years, but many will stay with their family up to 4 and 5 years. The nesting season begins as early as April. Crows build stick nests high in trees, and at times in large bushes. The American crow will lay three to six eggs, which are incubated for 18 days. The young are usually ready for flight around 35 days after hatching. Conservation status Protected internationally under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 Voice Loud vocal short caah’s Click here for a list of products to help with Crows |