American crow facts for kids

An American Crow

The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a common bird found all over North America. These smart birds are not in any danger, which means they are considered of least concern. Did you know that a large group of crows is called a "murder"? American crows are known for being very intelligent and can even learn to be comfortable around humans.

What is an American Crow?

American crows are medium-sized birds, usually about 16 to 20 inches (40-50 cm) long. They are completely black, with shiny feathers that can look blue or purple in the sunlight. They have strong beaks and feet, which help them find food and build nests. These birds are very noisy and often make a loud "caw-caw" sound.

Where Do American Crows Live?

You can find American crows in many different places across North America. They live in forests, farmlands, parks, and even big cities. They are very good at adapting to different environments. Crows often stay in the same area all year, but some groups might move south for the winter if the weather gets too cold.

What Do American Crows Eat?

American crows are omnivores, which means they eat almost anything! Their diet includes insects, worms, seeds, fruits, and nuts. They also eat small animals like mice, frogs, and eggs from other birds' nests. Crows are also known to eat carrion, which is dead animals. They are very good at finding food, sometimes even stealing it from other animals.

How Smart Are They?

Crows are one of the smartest birds in the world. They can solve puzzles, use tools, and even remember human faces. Scientists have seen them use sticks to get insects out of holes or drop nuts onto roads so cars will crack them open. They also communicate with each other using many different calls, which can mean different things. Crows can even teach their young how to find food and avoid danger.

Crow Families and Nests

American crows are very social birds and often live in large family groups. They build big nests high up in trees, using sticks, twigs, and even mud. Both the male and female crow help build the nest and take care of their young. A female crow usually lays 3 to 9 eggs. The baby crows, called fledglings, stay with their parents for several months, and sometimes even for a few years, learning important survival skills.

Health and Safety Around Crows

Like many wild animals, crows can sometimes carry germs or viruses. However, it's very rare for people to get sick from wild crows. The best way to stay safe is to avoid touching wild birds or their nests. If you see a sick or injured crow, it's best to contact an animal rescue group instead of trying to help it yourself.

Images for kids

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  Pair of crows chasing away a red-tailed hawk from their nest

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  Northwestern crow range map

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  The skull of an American crow

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  Brooklyn Museum - American crow - John J. Audubon

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  A fledgling, of the Northwestern subtype

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  American crow skeleton (Museum of Osteology)

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  An American crow egg, in the collection of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

See also

In Spanish: Cuervo americano para niños