How to identify the House Crow

To correctly identify the House Crow (Corvus splendens), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

40-43 cm (15.5-17 in)

Wingspan

66-79 cm (26-31 in)

Weight

250-350 g (8.8-12.3 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Glossy black head, throat, and upper breast. Nape, back, and underparts are duller greyish-brown, appearing slightly mottled. Wings and tail are dark, often with a purplish-blue sheen in good light.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Stout, slightly curved, and sharply pointed. Black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive feature is the bicolored plumage of glossy black head and throat contrasting with greyish-brown nape and body. Its relatively small size compared to other crows is also a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, less glossy black plumage and a less defined greyish collar. Their eyes can appear lighter brown initially.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic, appearing identical in plumage and size.

Key field marks

• Plumage. Look for the diagnostic bicolor pattern: glossy black head, face, throat, and upper breast contrasting sharply with duller greyish-brown (sometimes appearing grey) on the nape, back, and underparts. Wings and tail are dark black.
• Size. Notice its relatively small size for a crow; it's smaller and more slender than most other common crow species in its native and introduced range.
• Calls. Listen for its characteristic 'kaa-kaa' calls, which are quicker, sharper, and less deep or guttural than the calls of larger crows such as Large-billed or Jungle Crows.
• Behavior. Its strong association with human settlements, often seen scavenging in urban environments, is a key identification clue.
• Flight. Observe its direct, purposeful flight with steady wing beats, often seen commuting between roosting and foraging sites.

Explore the House Crow