American Crow

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(Corvus brachyrhynchos). 

Date of admission: July 21, 2025.
Reason for admission: Developmental.

Patient History:

American crows are one of the most widespread species in North America, and can be found coast to coast in all kinds of habitats. As resourceful species generalists, these birds are able to adapt to almost any environment, including cold winter conditions. While some do retreat from the most northern Canadian regions in the winter, many American crows are residents in the same area all year round and do not migrate. They are commonly found in open habitats with some tree cover and eat a large variety of foods, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, worms, insects, eggs, small mammals, garbage, and carrion. 

American crows are very social birds, and in the nonbreeding season, they will live in small flocks. Once the spring arrives, a mated pair within a group will find their own small territory to raise their young. American crows only have one mate, and both parents in a pair help to build the nest. Females will lay three to nine eggs and can have multiple clutches per year. Once the young are hatched, both parents will feed and care for the nestlings. Other crows from their group, sometimes called “helpers”, may also help to raise the young. 

American crows are thought to be among the smartest birds in the world. They have an array of different sounds and vocalizations they use to communicate with one another, and can learn to associate noises with food. They have been known to use tools from sticks or stones to crack open food, and require plenty of problem-solving enrichment while in care to stimulate their clever minds. American crows are also said to have good memory, and can recognize faces, and can even hold grudges against past threats.

This juvenile American crow came into care after they were displaying signs of slow development and were unable to fly. Upon intake, they appeared to be a healthy juvenile who had not yet grown in all of their adult feathers. They were placed with other American crow patients at AIWC and were given a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein, and were supplemented with biotin to promote healthy feather growth. Despite the animal care team’s best efforts to improve their feather quality, it became clear that the development of this patient’s feathers had already been hindered before coming into care. This often arises in urban birds who scavenge for their meals. This patient will remain in care for a year to undergo a complete feather molt, replacing their weak feathers with a strong set that will have them ready for the wild.