Northwestern Crow

Northwestern Crow
Northwestern Crow
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus
Species: C. caurinus
Binomial name
Corvus caurinus
Baird, 1858
Northwestern Crow range

The Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus) is an all-black passerine bird of the crow genus native to the northwest of North America. It is very similar to the more western forms of the widespread American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), but it averages slightly smaller (33-41 cm in length) with proportionately smaller feet and a slightly more slender bill. This taxon is reliably identified by range only.

Contents

Taxonomy

This species was described by Spencer Fullerton Baird in 1858.[1] The American Ornithologists' Union considers it closely related to the American Crow, and it may be conspecific.[1] Hybrids with American Crow have been reported but not confirmed.[2]

Description

This species plumage is virtually identical to American Crow.[3] A percentage may be distinguished by in-hand criteria such as smaller wing chord and tail length, shorter tarsus, and smaller bill.[2] Percentages increase when sex of animal is known.[2] Like the American Crow, the sexes look the same.[2] Older birds in breeding condition may be reliably sexed by in-hand criteria such as cloacal protuberance (male) or by brood patch (female).[2] Younger birds may not attain breeding condition as they assist at the nest.[2]

Distribution and habitat

This species occurs in coastal regions and offshore islands of southern Alaska, south through British Columbia to Washington state. Beaches and shorelines are the principal forage areas. It can often be seen in and around urban areas.

Behaviour

Diet

Very similar to that of the Fish Crow; the Northwestern Crow eats stranded fish, shellfish, crabs and mussels, and also searches through refuse containers for suitable food items. It has been seen to fly into the air with mussels and drop them onto hard surfaces to break them open. It also regularly eats insects, other invertebrates, and various fruits (especially berries). It raids other birds' nests to eat eggs and hatchlings. It takes handouts and remembers anyone who discards food. It is known to soak pieces of bread in water.

Predators

An incomplete list includes cats, raccoons, raptors and ravens. The crows often gather in large groups to mob these predators.

Nesting

Generally solitary, but sometimes built in association with a few other individuals in small, loose colonies in trees or sometimes large bushes. Very rarely, it will nest on cliffs in a recess or even on the ground in a remote area if overhung by a rock for shelter. It is a typical crow nest with 4-5 eggs usually laid.

Voice

The voice is very varied, and many types of call are made, but the most common are usually described as a high pitched "caw" and the sound of a cork coming out of a bottle. A "wok-wok-wok" is given by a bird in flight if straggling behind the group, and various clicks and mechanical sounding rattles are also heard.

References

  1. ^ a b American Ornithologists' Union. (1983) Check-list of North American Birds. 7th Edition.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Pyle, Peter. (1997). Identification Guide to North American Birds
  3. ^ National Geographic Society. 1983. Field Guide to the birds of North America.
  • BirdLife International (2004). Corvus caurinus. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 9 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

External links

Image links

Sound links

Video links

Image gallery

  • Northwestern Crow.jpg
  • Corvus caurinus.jpg

  • Homer, Alaska

  • Seward, Alaska

  • Fledged NW Crow, fell out of a tree. Let him go later.

  • A Northwestern Crow, already fed, awaits more.

  • Advisory sign posted during nesting season of Northwestern Crow in Sidney, British Columbia.