Corvus brachyrhynchos
Towns, farms, and woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Three forward toes and one back, about 2 to 2.5 inches.
What does a american crow look like?
All black, smaller than a raven, with a fan-shaped tail and a thinner bill.
What do american crow tracks look like?
A walking line of perching prints, smaller and less heavy than a raven. Often in a flock in a field or parking lot.
- Three forward toes and one back, about 2 to 2.5 inches
- Walks more than it hops
- Smaller than a raven print
- Fan-shaped tail in flight if seen
- Whitewash under a roost tree
What does american crow poop look like?
Whitewash with dark remains under a communal roost. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Towns, farms, and woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Typical places: yard, field, woods. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not approach a nest
- If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Common raven identification
- Common grackle identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
How do you tell a crow from a raven?
A crow is smaller, usually in a group, and has a fan-shaped tail. A raven is larger, often alone, with a wedge-shaped tail.
How to tell a american crow from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Common raven. A large perching-bird print. All black, larger than a crow, with a heavier bill and a wedge tail.
- Common grackle. A walking print larger than a starling. Lanky blackbird with a long tail and a pale eye.
American crow field marks
- Three forward toes and one back, about 2 to 2.5 inches
- Walks more than it hops
- Smaller than a raven print
- Fan-shaped tail in flight if seen
Where the sign shows up
Towns, farms, and woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Typical places: yard, field, woods. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
A walking line of perching prints, smaller and less heavy than a raven. Often in a flock in a field or parking lot. Whitewash with dark remains under a communal roost.
Common questions
How do you tell a crow from a raven?
A crow is smaller, usually in a group, and has a fan-shaped tail. A raven is larger, often alone, with a wedge-shaped tail.