Acadia National Park

Description  ADULT Has glossy, all-black plumage with a relatively long, dark bill and dark legs. In flight, note the rather long, fan-shaped tail. JUVENILE Similar, but has a pale iris and an brownish tinge overall to plumage.

Dimensions  Length: 17-21" (43-53 cm)

Habitat  Populations have declined markedly due to West Nile Virus in some areas, but still widespread and common, favoring a wide range of habitats, including urban areas. Resident across much of its range, but northern birds migrate south in fall.

Observation Tips  Easy to find.

Range  Plains, Southeast, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, California, Texas, New England, Western Canada, Southwest, Northwest, Florida, Alaska, Eastern Canada, Mid-Atlantic

Voice  Utters a familiar, raucous caaw, caaw.

Discussion  Archetypal crow and the yardstick by which to judge other dark-plumaged corvids. Sometimes bold, but becomes more wary where persecuted. An opportunistic feeder with an omnivorous diet that includes carrion, scraps scavenged at garbage dumps, and grain spills, and live prey. Variably gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.