American Crow Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesAmerican Crow
Adult
Large, all black bird with a slight gloss to the plumage, and a relatively long and thick bill.
© Henry Burton / Macaulay LibraryOregon, March 19, 2017Adult
Flies with a distinctive rowing motion, sometimes incorporating glides.
© Ryan Schain / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, March 11, 2012Adult
All-black bird with full-throated cawing call. Note fairly short, squared tail.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, January 27, 2013Not all videos have sound
Adult
Darkness and glossiness of the plumage depend on lighting conditions.
© Amanda Guercio / Macaulay LibraryOntario, October 13, 2016Adult
Along the coastlines often forages at the water's edge.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, October 05, 2016Adult
Note rounded wings, fairly short, squared tail, and relatively small bill. Flies with a rowing motion and rarely glides.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryDecember 01, 1997Not all videos have sound
Adult
Will mob raptors and other perceived threats. Note short and rounded or squared tail.
© bellemare celine / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, April 24, 2017Adult
Often forages on the ground for invertebrates, small animals, and seeds.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMontana, April 01, 2000Not all videos have sound
Adult
Frequently forages at landfills and other areas with garbage.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, July 10, 2016Adult
Omnivorous: catches and eats small animals; also eats carrion and garbage as well as seeds, fruits, and berries.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 11, 2005Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesFish Crow
Adult
To distinguish Fish Crows from American Crows listen for the Fish Crow's more nasal calls.
© Paul Tavares / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, January 28, 2015Similar SpeciesCommon Raven
Adult
Common Ravens are larger, longer winged, and heavier billed than crows. Ravens' tails are tapered at the end, giving them a diamond or wedge shape compared to a crow's shorter, squarer tail.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 14, 2007Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.