Above: Perched on a post at Fort Gibraltar in Whittier Park; by Peter Taylor.
How do I recognize it?
Fairly large with a prominent bill, glossy black, and noisy, the American Crow needs little introduction. Nevertheless, it may take a while for a beginning birder to distinguish a crow from its larger relative the Common Raven or the smaller, more slender Common Grackle (which is not closely related). One good way to learn is to watch crows dive-bombing ravens that encroach on their nesting territory in spring. Grackles and other blackbirds may treat crows the same way!
Above: A Winnipeg lamp-post provides a handy perch; by Peter Taylor.
Does it migrate?
Back in the 1970s, nearly all Manitoba crows headed south for the winter. The majority still do, but hundreds now stay in the province over the colder months, especially in Winnipeg, but also in smaller towns and agricultural country. Spring migration is early, with pairs and small flocks arriving to swell the winter numbers around the middle of March. Post-breeding flocks, often numbering in the hundreds, start to form around the end of July with most departing in September and October.
Above: A September crow flock in cultivated stubble northeast of Beausejour; by Peter Taylor.
Where does it live?
American Crows seem equally at home in towns and farmland, so long as some trees are available for nesting, but they are less common in heavily forested areas. The Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas shows them present throughout the province, but relatively scarce and localized in northern regions. Their overall range covers almost all of the conterminous United States as well as the southern half of Canada.
Above: An evening, urban roosting flight at St. Boniface in August; by Peter Taylor.
Where can I see it?
Sit on your doorstep or balcony in spring or summer, and it shouldn’t be long before at least one crow flies past or caws nearby. If that doesn’t work, then a walk in a local park or a short drive in the country should do the trick.
Above: Eye-level view on a spring day along the Seine in St. Boniface; by Peter Taylor.
Conservation Status:
Not being persecuted to the degree they once were, crows’ numbers remain high and seemingly stable, though they are vulnerable to viral diseases, notably West Nile virus. Intelligent and omnivorous, crows seem better equipped than many birds to adapt to changing environments; conservation concern for the American Crow is correspondingly low.
Above: Playing with its food, a suet remnant from a bird feeder, at Pinawa in early May; by Peter Taylor.
Did you know:
The Merlin (a small falcon) has benefited from increasing crow numbers in prairie towns and cities. Old crow nests in spruce trees provide a perfect base for Merlins, which never construct their own nests, to lay their eggs. Some owls also use old crow nests.
Written by Peter Taylor.