Fauna
Bird

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Also known as Common Crow

American crows are famed for their extraordinary problem-solving ability, facial recognition, and complex social networks that include long-term family bonds. Families work together to defend territories, gather food, and help raise new offspring, often forming winter roosts that count tens of thousands of birds. Their adaptable omnivorous habits and harsh caw calls make them one of North America's most recognizable wildlife species.

IntelligentAdaptableSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyInsects, Grains, Carrion
Predators
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Cooper's Hawk
ThreatsWest Nile virus, secondary poisonings, minor human persecution
HabitatsForests, woodlands, agricultural fields, suburban parks, urban areas
Life span7–15 years in the wild
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyCorvidae
  3. GenusCorvus
  4. SpeciesCorvus brachyrhynchos
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for group mobbing behavior when crows spot a hawk or owl in trees.
  • Identification: Listen for a sharp caw call to distinguish them from deeper raven croaks.
  • Attracting: Offer unsalted peanuts in the shell or clean fresh water in elevated baths.
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Backyard Birds

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