American Crow, Common Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Family Corvidae

Characteristics:
* Feathers completely black appearing glossy and purplish in strong sun.
* Bill and feet large and black.
* Body and tail length: 17-21".

Natural History:
* Habitat: Forests, meadows, farmlands, shores, roadsides, river groves. Nest a platform of sticks in a treetop, sometimes but rarely built in bushes. Eggs pale blue-green to olive, with gray or brown blotches.
* Range: Throughout Canada and the United States.
* Voice: A loud, harsh caw or cah or kahr.
* Behavior: Feeds on insects (like grasshoppers), carrion, bird eggs or nestlings, small mammals such as rabbits, and human garbage. Family groups remain together during summer and early fall. Communal roosts are used at night, and the same roost may be used during the same months for years. Crows have increased in abundance in northeastern North America during recent decades. Crows can contract rabies by feeding on carrion, but they are one of the few species that can rid themselves of this viral infection.
* Native.

Connections!
* Crows are ubiquitous and somewhat ominous-looking. According to this old rhyme, the number of crows one sees can predict the future:

"One, you'll have sorrow,
Two, you'll have joy.
Three, get a present,
Four, get a boy.
Five, receive silver,
Six, receive gold,
Seven's a secret that's never been told.
Eight's a love letter with promises three, and
Nine means your true love is true as can be."

Approved by NR