Crow

The crow family (Corvidae) is a large family of birds that includes jackdaws, choughs, JAYS, MAGPIES and nutcrackers as well as crows and RAVENS. The crow family represents one of the most advanced stages of avian evolution, showing, for example, a highly developed intelligence and a complex social organization. The family is thought to have originated during the middle of the Miocene period (23.7 to 4.9 million years ago) and undergone an initial radiation (divergence) in southeast Asia, before dispersing to Europe, the Americas and Africa. Choughs and treepies are believed to be the most primitive members of the Corvidae. From this group, magpies and, later, jays, ravens and typical crows evolved. At present, about 123 species of Corvidae are recognized.

Crows and ravens are the largest members of the order Passeriformes (perching birds). They range in length from 17.5 to 70 cm. The typical crow (genus Corvus) is either wholly black (including bill and legs) or black with white, grey or brown.

Range and Habitat
Of the 3 species of Corvus native to Canada, only the northwestern crow (C. caurinus) has a limited range. It inhabits the coast and islands of British Columbia, where it forages along shores, beaches, and tidal flats. The highly adaptable American crow (C. brachyrhynchos) occupies many habitats and feeds on both animal and vegetable matter. It breeds from north-central BC to Newfoundland, but leaves most of that range in the winter. The common raven (C. corax) is also found in most of Canada, but stays year-round.

Nesting
Both northwestern and American crows tend to forage in open areas but prefer wooded habitats for nesting and roosting. The northwestern crow nests mainly in coniferous trees; the American crow, in deciduous and coniferous trees and, occasionally, in low bushes. The female American crow incubates clutches (groups of eggs) of 4 to 6 eggs.

Relationship with Humans
In places, crows have proven more harmful than helpful to humans, since although they kill a large number of insects, they also damage CROPS, particularly corn. They also prey on the eggs and young of many desirable birds.

Author LORRAINE G. D'AGINCOURT Revised: JOCELYN HUDON

Suggested Reading
Candace Savage, Bird Brains: The Intelligence of Ravens, Crows, Magpies and Jays (1995) and Crows: Encounters with the Wise Guys of the Avian World (2005).

Links to Other Sites
All About Birds
Search this online bird identification guide for information on specific bird species found in North America. Click on the dynamic map of eBird sightings for a magnified view. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the US.

Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

American Crow
An illustrated life history of the American crow. From borealbirds.ca.