How to identify the Crow

To correctly identify the Crow (Corvus), 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

40-53 cm (16-21 in)

Wingspan

85-100 cm (33-39 in)

Weight

300-600 g (10.6-21.2 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Entirely glossy black plumage, often with iridescent purple, blue, or green sheens visible in good light. The feathers are dense and stiff.

2. 2

   Beak shape

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

   Strong, heavy, and slightly decurved black beak. The culmen (upper ridge) is typically straight or slightly arched.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown to black

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Overall large size, entirely black plumage, robust build, and distinctive 'caw' calls. The tail is typically fan-shaped or slightly rounded at the tip when spread in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, less glossy black plumage, often with a brownish tinge. Their eyes may appear lighter, and the gape (corner of the mouth) can be yellowish for a period after fledging.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistently black year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Minimal to no sexual dimorphism in plumage or size; males and females look alike.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a medium-large, all-black bird with a sturdy build and a relatively large head. The tail is typically fan-shaped or slightly rounded at the tip.
• Plumage. Observe the plumage for its uniform glossy black color, which can show iridescent purples or blues in direct sunlight. There are no other colors or markings.
• Beak. Note the strong, heavy, and entirely black beak. It is not as massive as a raven's, nor as slender as a jackdaw's.
• Vocalizations. Listen for the characteristic loud, harsh 'caw-caw-caw'. Pay attention to variations in pitch and rhythm, as this is often the most reliable way to distinguish crow species from each other and from ravens.
• Flight Pattern. Observe their direct, steady flight with regular wingbeats. While they can soar, they typically flap more continuously than ravens. The tail shape in flight is a key differentiator from ravens.
• Behavior. Look for social behavior, such as foraging in groups, mobbing predators, or forming large communal roosts. Their intelligence is often evident in their problem-solving and tool-using behaviors.

Explore the Crow