Crow

Crow - (Corvus Brachyrhynchos)

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. Food Guy calls him Cedric. He seems so lost and lonely.

Crow

My brother-in-law says the crow is his favorite bird. My sister thinks that since he was born with auditory nerve damage and has no hearing in one ear and very little in the other, the loud squawking of a crow is sadly the only bird call he can hear.

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 our 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.

Size:	Length: 17.5-21in Weight: 16 oz Wingspan: 39 in
ID:	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
Habitat:	Woodlands; forest edges and clearings; farmland; urban areas
Diet:	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
Family Behavior:	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
Social Activities:	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
Range:	Breeding: Most of the United States and Canada Winter: Partial migration from northern regions
Vocalization:	Distinctive, loud "Caw" or Caw-Caw"; great mimics (dog whining, baby crying, sound like other bird calls and laugh like a human)
Lifespan:	Up to 15 years

Crow

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