AMERICAN CROWS (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Ron J. Johnson, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583

Document Type Article

Abstract

The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is one of America’s best-known birds. American crows are widely distributed over much of North America. American crows do best in a mixture of open fields where food can be found and woodlots where there are trees for nesting and roosting. Crows are omnivorous, eating almost anything, and they readily adapt food habits to changing seasons and available food supply. Crows are among the most intelligent of birds. Experiments indicate that American crows can count to three or four, are good at solving puzzles, have good memories, employ a diverse and behaviorally complex range of vocalizations, and quickly learn to associate various noises and symbols with food. Complaints associated with crow damage to agriculture were more common in the 1940s than they are today. Crows are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal act resulting from a formal treaty signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.