The crow family, known scientifically as Corvidae, contains over 120 species of birds found worldwide. This group includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. Crows are intelligent, social birds that are known for their all-black plumage, loud cacophonous calls, and tendency to flock together. Determining which specific bird belongs to this family can be tricky, as there are many similar looking species. In this article, we will explore the key identifying features of corvid birds and highlight some of the most common members of the crow family.
Distinguishing Features of Corvids
While individual species vary in size and coloration, there are some general physical and behavioral traits found throughout the corvid family:
– Medium to large size – Corvids range from 11 to 26 inches in length. Larger than many songbirds.
– Stout beak – Compared to other perching birds, corvids have thicker, heavier beaks adapted for omnivorous diets.
– Strong feet with four toes – Allows them to walk/hop on the ground as well as perch in trees. Two toes face forward and two face backwards.
– High intelligence – Considered among the smartest birds. Capable of solving problems, using tools, and remembering faces.
– Social living – Many corvid species live and roost in flocks or family units and exhibit complex communication.
– Omnivorous – Corvids are omnivorous, feeding on insects, grains and seeds, fruits, small vertebrates, eggs, and even trash. Opportunistic eaters.
– Vocalizations – Crows are renowned for their harsh “caw caw” cries used to signal alarms and maintain contact.
– Iridescent feathers – Some corvids, like magpies, have black and white plumage with iridescent, metallic blue/green sheens.
Common Corvids
American Crow
The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a common corvid species found throughout North America. Identifying features include:
– Size: 17-21 inches long with a wingspan of 33-39 inches
– Plumage: All black feathers covering their entire body, including legs and feet.
– Bill: Large, black, and curved.
– Call: The familiar “caw caw” noise.
– Habits: Forages on the ground, omnivorous diet, forms large communal roosts in winter.
This intelligent, adaptable bird thrives around human settlements. They are numerous and commonly seen across North America in fields, parks, woods, and suburban neighborhoods.
Northwestern Crow
The northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus) was previously considered the same species as the American crow but is now recognized as a distinct species. It is found along the Pacific coast of North America. Identification features:
– Size: 19 inches long with a 40 inch wingspan
– Plumage: All black plumage like American crows.
– Bill: Also black and curved.
– Call: A raspy “eh-aw” sound; more nasal than an American crow.
– Habits: Coastal forager, eats marine creatures as well as terrestrial prey.
This species can be hard to distinguish visually from American crows, but its distinct call when heard helps confirm the identification.
Fish Crow
The fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) is a species found in the southeastern United States, especially along coastlines. Identifying traits include:
– Size: 17-19 inches long with a wingspan of 33-38 inches
– Plumage: Glossy black feathers.
– Bill: Shorter and more rounded than American crows.
– Legs: Grayish black.
– Call: A nasal “ah-ha” sound; higher pitched than American crows.
– Habits: A forest and wetland nester often found near water. Mainly eats fish, mollusks, and other aquatic prey.
Its smaller size and distinct vocalizations help distinguish it from its American crow cousin.
Northwestern Crow
The northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus) was previously considered the same species as the American crow but is now recognized as a distinct species. It is found along the Pacific coast of North America. Identification features:
– Size: 19 inches long with a 40 inch wingspan
– Plumage: All black plumage like American crows.
– Bill: Also black and curved.
– Call: A raspy “eh-aw” sound; more nasal than an American crow.
– Habits: Coastal forager, eats marine creatures as well as terrestrial prey.
This species can be hard to distinguish visually from American crows, but its distinct call when heard helps confirm the identification.
Raven
Ravens are larger, heavier-billed relatives of crows in the corvid family. The common raven (Corvus corax) is found across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Identifying features:
– Size: 24-27 inches long; 4-5 foot wingspan. Larger than most crow species.
– Plumage: All black including legs, eyes, and bill. Plumage appears more scaly than crows.
– Bill: Very large and curved. Thicker than a crow’s.
– Legs/feet: Proportionally larger than crows.
– Call: A deep, resonating “croak” or “gronk.”
– Habits: Soaring flight patterns, often gliding and tumbling. Omnivorous scavenger.
Ravens are less social than crows, usually traveling alone or in pairs rather than large flocks. Their large size aids in telling them apart from crows.
Western Jackdaw
The western jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) is a corvid species found across much of Europe and parts of western Asia. Identifying features:
– Size: 13 inches long with a 26 inch wingspan. Smaller than many corvids.
– Plumage: Jet black feathers on head, wings, tail and back. Gray nape and pale gray eyes.
– Bill: Shorter and smaller than many corvids. Blue-gray base.
– Legs: Short and black.
– Call: A distinctive, high-pitched “chyak-chyak” sound.
– Habits: Gregarious, colonial nester. Often found in urban areas. Omnivorous diet.
The western jackdaw’s small size, gray nape, and blue eyes help distinguish it from its all-black corvid relatives.
Eurasian Magpie
The Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) is a boldly patterned corvid found widely across Europe and Asia. Identifying traits:
– Size: 16-20 inches long.
– Plumage: Distinctive black and white coloration. Black head, chest, wings and tail contrasting sharply with white belly and shoulders.
– Bill: Short, thick, and black.
– Legs: Black.
– Eyes: Black pupil surrounded by a pale yellow iris.
– Call: A loud, chattering “chak-chak-chak”.
– Habits: Omnivorous, often forages on ground. Builds a domed nest.
The magpie’s unique black and white patterning makes it easy to distinguish from other corvids.
Eurasian Jay
The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) is another crested corvid species residing in Europe and Asia. Distinctive features include:
– Size: 16-17 inches long
– Plumage: Pinkish-brown back and tail, bluish wings and wingtips, white rump and undertail. Black moustache stripe.
– Head: Conspicuous black and white crest that can be raised or lowered.
– Bill: Black and stout like other corvids.
– Legs: Pinkish-brown.
– Call: A rattling, squeaky screech.
– Habits: Scatter hoards acorns and other foods. Nesting in broad-leaved and coniferous woodlands.
The Eurasian jay’s crest and bluish wings help distinguish it from other corvids in its range.
Pinyon Jay
The pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a slim, crested corvid of western North America. Identifying features:
– Size: 11.5 inches long with a 21 inch wingspan. Smaller and slimmer than other jays.
– Plumage: Blue head, wings, and tail, with lighter blue throat. Pale belly. Grayish neck and breast.
– Bill: Black, short, and slender.
– Head: Blue crest that lies flat.
– Legs: Black
– Call: Series of sharp, nasal calls.
– Habits: Form large flocks, mainly eat pine seeds. Nests in pine trees.
The pinyon jay’s small size, blue and gray coloration, and pine-dominated habitat separate it from other American jays.
Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a brightly colored corvid of western North American forests. Identifying traits include:
– Size: 12-13 inches long with a 16 inch wingspan.
– Plumage: Deep blue head, wings, and tail. Blackish-brown back and neck. White face with blue streaks. Dark eye line.
– Bill: Long, broad, and black.
– Legs: Black.
– Call: Harsh, noisy shrieks.
– Habits: Makes food caches. Omnivorous, eating acorns, seeds, insects, eggs, small vertebrates.
The Steller’s jay’s vibrant blue and black plumage and noisy vocalizations make it recognizable among West Coast birds.
Gray Jay
The gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is a boreal forest corvid with plumage well-adapted to cold climates. Identifying characteristics include:
– Size: 11-12 inches long with 16-18 inch wingspan.
– Plumage: Grayish overall with lighter head and dark gray nape. White face with black nape line. Dark eyes.
– Bill: Short, black, and hooked at tip.
– Legs: Black.
– Call: Variety of whistles, clicks, gurgles, and shrieks.
– Habits: Breeds earliest of any North American bird. Hoards food.
The gray jay’s all-gray appearance blending into northern forests and very cold-hardy nature distinguish it from other corvids.
Clark’s Nutcracker
Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is a high-elevation corvid of western North American mountains. Key identification features:
– Size: 12 inches long with a 24 inch wingspan. Broad wings and long tail.
– Plumage: Pale gray overall. Black wings with white patches. Black tail with white edges. White undertail coverts.
– Bill: Long, straight, and very stout. Adaptation for cracking seeds.
– Legs: Black.
– Call: Loud, rattling caws.
– Habits: Highly adapted to exploit pine nuts. Cultivates caches.
Clark’s nutcracker can be identified by its high mountain habitat, long bill, black and white patterned wings, and loud calls.
Black-billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a familiar corvid of western North America. Identification features include:
– Size: 18-24 inches long with a wingspan of 22-26 inches. Long, broad tail.
– Plumage: Black head, chest, back, and tail contrasting with white shoulders, belly, and tail tips. Iridescent green and blue feathers.
– Bill: Long, straight, black beak with a yellow patch at the base of the lower mandible.
– Legs: Black.
– Call: A series of loud, harsh barks and squawks.
– Habits: Builds large, domed nests. Opportunistic omnivore. Gregarious.
The black-billed magpie’s distinctive pied plumage and long tail make it easy to identify.
Conclusion
Corvids comprise a family of over 120 species of intelligent, social birds that occupy diverse habitats worldwide. While many share black plumage, they can be distinguished from one another by differences in size, proportions, vocalizations, feather markings, bill shape, geographic ranges, and behavior. Some of the most common and widespread corvid species include crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers. Carefully noting key identification features makes determining which specific bird belongs to the crow family possible. Corvids remain fascinating subjects for birders and scientists studying animal intelligence and social behavior.