Crow Crow!

Crows are believed to be the most intelligent of all birds. There is very little wonder why they have been revered and worshipped over the centuries. Also hated on the farm across America.

Physical characteristics

The American Crow when fully grown is 17" to 21" (from tip of bill to tip of tail). Weight when fully grown; approximately one pound.

Differentiation of sexes -

There is no way to tell by physical appearance alone, as to whether a crow is male or female. DNA testing of blood will indicate sex. Close study of crows in their daily life, especially during nesting season may provide a clue as to sex, however, this is not something that many people will be able to observe.

Coloration -

Crows are black for a very good reason. This is for identification of their own kind. A crow can easily identify another crow in the distance, during the day, because black is very visible during the day. However, at night, the black coloration helps to protect it from predators. Black is not easily seen during the night, when a crow is most vulnerable.

Life Expectancy -

Crows in the wild can live to be 10 years old +/- 2 to 3 years. However, predators and disease often shorten this by a few years. The oldest known wild American Crow was 29 1/2 years old the second oldest known, however, was only 14 years, 7 months old.

Diet -

Crows will eat just about anything. You are bound to find them feasting at fast food restaurant parking lots. They will eat bugs, worms, roadkill, mice, berries, corn, and a variety of other tasty treats. An adult crow needs 11 ounces of food each day.

Family life -

Crows are very social in nature. Interaction with their own kind is extremely important to them. Male crows will "court" their desired female. The male will fluff his feathers, strut, and fly by, in his attempts to win over the female. Once mated, crows usually mate for life.
Not only will crows defend and protect their own family, but they will come to the aid of unrelated crows in need or distress. Crows are cooperative breeders. Both crow parents take turns sitting on the eggs. All family members help in the care of the brood. As nesting season arrives, the juveniles from prior years, along with their parents, will help gather nesting material. The crow mother-to-be will arrange the nesting materials into a soft comfy nest.
The number of eggs in a clutch is usually 4 to 6.

Hunting Crows -

Stay tuned for info on hunting the great black Crow.