Keywords Birds

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 BC, 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. Similarly, the common raven (C. corax) is found in most of Canada.

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 male American crow helps incubate the clutches of 4-6 eggs.

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 eggs and young of many desirable birds.

Crow, American
The highly adaptable American crow occupies many habitats and feeds on both animal and vegetable matter (Macmillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia).

Crow Distribution

Author LORRAINE G. D'AGINCOURT

Links to Other Sites
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 Environment Canada's WILDSPACE website.