The American crow is 15.8-20.9 inches (40.1-53 cm) in length with a wingspan of 33.5-39.4 inches (85-100 cm).
It is glossy black with a squared-off to slightly rounded tail; a stout, pointed black bill with a slight hook at the end; and strong black legs and toes. It has stiff bristles over its nostrils. Males and females look alike.
The American crow is almost identical in looks to the fish crow. In fact, the only way to easily tell them apart without a close examination or DNA testing may be by their calls. The American crow has a loud cawing call.
The American crow is found in many different habitats including woodlands, fields, farmland, and forests. They are also seen in yards, parks, roadsides, and other suburban and urban environments.
The American crow is omnivorous and eats just about anything. Its diet includes seeds, grains, fruits, nuts, and berries. It also eats small animals like earthworms, insects, mice, fish, clams, and turtles. It will also eat bird eggs, carrion (dead animals), and garbage.
It usually feeds on the ground, but it will drop shells and nuts on hard surfaces like rocks or the road to break them open. American crows will even follow other birds to raid their nests.
The male and the female build a nest of twigs lined with pine needles, animal hair, weeds, grass, and tree bark. The nest is usually built high in a crotch of a tree or on a horizontal branch. American crows usually nest in evergreen trees, but will nest in deciduous trees.
The female lays 3-8 light green eggs with brown speckles. The female incubates the eggs. The eggs hatch in 18 days. The male brings food to the female while she is incubating the eggs. The chicks fledge (develop their wing feathers so they can fly) in 28 to 35 days.
American crows are very social and often live in family groups made up of the male and the female and their young from the past two years. They all chip in to help build the nest and protect, feed, and raise the young chicks. American crows don’t breed until they are at least two years old. Most don’t breed until they are at least four years old. Male and female pairs may mate for many years.
The American crow has a lifespan of 7 to 8 years in the wild. The oldest American crow on record lived to be 14 years and 7 months old.
The American crow is a very intelligent bird. It is a quick learner and a good problem-solver.
American crows live in family groups usually made up of a breeding pair and their young from several breeding seasons. Family groups will join other groups to feed and sleep.
A group of crows is sometimes called a murder of crows.
Support for NatureWorks is provided by:
The American crow is a year-round resident across New Hampshire.
The American crow is found from Canada south through the continental United States. It is a year-round resident in most of its range.
It breeds in the northernmost part of its range but may migrate a bit further south for the winter.
