Tamaulipas crow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tamaulipas crow |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corvus
|
| Species: |
imparatus
|
 |
|
The Tamaulipas crow (Corvus imparatus) is a type of crow that lives in northeastern Mexico and parts of southern Texas. These crows are known for their unique calls, which sound a bit like a frog. They often gather in large groups.
Contents
What Does the Tamaulipas Crow Look Like?
This crow is fairly small and looks very sleek. It is about 34–38 centimetres (13–15 in) long. Its feathers are a shiny dark blue, almost black. They look soft and smooth.
The crow has a thin, black beak. Its legs and feet are also black. The only other crow it often shares its home with is the Chihuahuan raven. However, the Chihuahuan raven is much bigger and looks quite different.
Family Tree: How It's Related to Other Crows
The Sinaloa crow (Corvus sinaloae) is very similar to the Tamaulipas crow. It's like a western version of the same bird. Even though their voices are different, they are very closely related.
Another bird, the fish crow (Corvus ossifragus), also seems to be a close relative. Fish crows live in the southeastern United States. These three types of crows might even be considered a "superspecies." This means they are very similar and likely came from a common ancestor.
Where Do Tamaulipas Crows Live?
Tamaulipas crows live in a rather small area. This area is in northeastern Mexico. They like to live in dry, bushy areas, like near deserts. You can also find them around farms, small towns, and villages.
They also live in more humid, open woodlands. But you won't usually find them in high mountains or right along the seashore. These crows are very social birds. They often form large groups and fly together. Their northern home reaches Brownsville in southern Texas. They have even been known to build nests there.
How Do Tamaulipas Crows Behave?
What Do Tamaulipas Crows Eat?
These crows mainly eat insects. They find most of their food on the ground. However, they also eat eggs and baby birds from nests in trees. Many different fruits and berries are also part of their diet.
Nesting and Raising Young
The nests of Tamaulipas crows are similar to those of the American crow. But they are a bit smaller. They build their nests in trees or large bushes.
What Does a Tamaulipas Crow Sound Like?
The sound of this crow is quite special. It's not like most other crows. It makes a low, croaking sound, almost like a frog. People also describe one of its calls as a soft "gar-lik".
See also
- In Spanish: Cuervo de Tamaulipas para niños
