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American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Published on Project Noah
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33.1468, -117.009

Field Notes

Description:

Large, all black bird with loud bird call. Video shows it ruffling its feathers, turning, walking, calling and flying away.

Habitat:

On power pole looking over valley

Species ID Suggestions

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos
Liam
1

Comments (7)
CindyBinghamKeiser
Thank you so much Liam! Ava knew you were the one to consult :) I'll update the spotting now.
Liam
Your video was very enjoyable. And I can safely tell you that this is an American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). The bill is not hefty enough for Raven and there are no nasal feathers, but the real clincher is the voice. The Raven's voice is lower, smoother, less harsh, less stacato, and almost musical. Much more amusing to listen to. Very large difference between the two birds' typical calls. Here are some links: http://xeno-canto.org/browse.php?query=Northern+Raven+%28Corvus+corax%29+95&species_nr= http://xeno-canto.org/browse.php?query=American+Crow+%28Corvus+brachyrhynchos%29+32&species_nr=
CindyBinghamKeiser
They're so similar! Thanks for the suggestion Ava. I'll contact him now :-)
Ava T-B
Hmmm... based on tail shape, these may indeed be crows. Now I've lost my sense of confidence! Here's a site that does much comparison: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/crows_and_ravens I'd also suggest linking your spotting to one of Liam's and asking him... he seems so knowledgeable about bird ID.
CindyBinghamKeiser
I received a comment on my YouTube video that's seen here saying this is a crow. I appreciate your input on their comment: "This is a common crow not a common raven. This crow has a high pitched nasal caw call. Ravens do not rock up and down when doing the call. It's a softer ROCK ROCK sound and they lean forward doing it. Ravens also have a curved beak where the top portion is bigger than the bottom."
CindyBinghamKeiser
Thank you avatb! I think you're correct. These were also larger than other black Corvidae I've seen in the area.
Ava T-B
Hi Cindy, I think because of the longer "fingers" on the wings, and the thicker bill, that these are Ravens.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Southern California Wildlife
Mission
Global Flight

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 2, 2011

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