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Crow - (Corvus Brachyrhynchos)
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| We have had several raucous
crows accompany other black bird species as
they feast on our scattered corn mix under our
side yard maple tree. But lately we've seen only
a single crow come to awkwardly graze among
mourning doves. He approaches the feed
hesitantly, then quickly stretches and turns his
neck and head to the side as he grabs a corn
kernel. It's as if he's afraid it will be
snatched away from him. Good 'ole Cedric the
Crow - sometimes he seems pretty lost and
lonely. |
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The crow's voice, size and
color are daunting. He has been much maligned
by farmers and gardeners for his relentless
appetite for people food crops. Still, he plays
a major part in American history and folk lore,
although usually as the villain. He is spooky
and clever enough to appear as object lessons in
fables and fairy tales.
By late summer the crows have disappeared from
the feeders along with all the other black
birds. Still they are frequently spotted
helping harvest local corn fields. In autumn
we'll see them posed on pumpkins amid fall
decorations.
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Size:
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Length: 17.5-21in
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Weight: 16 oz |
Wingspan: 39 in |
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ID:
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Male: All-black; glossy, purple sheen
in direct light; large bill; squared off
tail; broad wings; feet anisodactylous
(three toes point forward and one toe
points backward)
Female and Juvenile: Same as male
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Habitat:
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Woodlands; forest edges and
clearings; farmland; urban areas
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Diet:
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Omnivore; opportunistic scavenger;
carrion; insects; young and eggs of
other birds; crops, including fruit,
seeds and berries; will come to feeders
for seed and suet
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Family Behavior:
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Mating Habits: Monogamous and
solitary; 1 brood per year; young may
stay in family unit and assist in
helping to raise subsequent broods
(nest building, incubating and feeding)
Local Breeding Period: Early May
Nests: Sticks and branches; lined with
soft plant material, feathers, moss and
fur; built in trees and cross bars of
utility poles; may reuse nest every year
if still available
Eggs: 4-6 grayish green with irregular
brown and gray markings; female and male
incubate 18 days
Nestlings: Born altricial (helpless,
naked, eyes closed) and stay in nest
28-35 days; fed by both parents
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Social Activities:
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Very intelligent (can count, solve
puzzles and remember information); very
social (large family groups roost
together at night, aid in raising young,
serve as lookouts and mob predators
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Range:
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Breeding: Most of the United States
and Canada
Winter: Partial migration from northern
regions
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Vocalization:
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Distinctive, loud "Caw" or Caw-Caw";
great mimics (dog whining, baby crying,
sound like other bird calls and laugh
like a human)
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| Lifespan: |
Up to 15 years |
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