Hooded Crow or American Crow?
Here's how to tell the difference
Hooded Crow
American Crow
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornix
Also known as: Hoodie, Scotch Crow, Danish Crow, Gray Crow
General appearance
Meet the hooded crow! A dazzling avian species with an absolutely enchanting appearance. Recognizable by a dark grey body contrasted with a glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail. The hooded crow flaunts a gorgeous plumage that shines in varying hues under the sunlight. They're medium-sized birds, standing tall at around 48cm with a wingspan up to 100cm - impossible to miss in the wild!
Male vs female
Moving on to the tricky task of distinguishing between males and females- it's quite a challenge! You see, there are no visual differences between the sexes! Both male and female hooded crows exhibit the same majestic blend of grey and black plumage. In fact, the only surefire way to tell them apart is during the breeding season when only females will be seen incubating eggs.
Juvenile
Onto the adorable juveniles, which start out with a rather duller color palette. Their plumage lacks the striking glossy finish of the adults, appearing more sooty black than glossy. Juveniles also host blue eyes instead of the brown seen in adults. But don't fret, with time, they grow into their stunning adult colors and truly become a sight to behold!
Size
18.9 - 21.3 in/14.0 - 21.2 oz
There's more to learn about Hooded Crow
View full detailsAmerican Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
General appearance
The American Crow is a bird measuring 17-21 inches, or 43-53 centimeters, in length. It is easily identifiable by its complete black pigmentation and robust beak. Characteristic tail is rather short, ending in a shape close to a square when not in flight. In flight, the wings take a broad, fingered yet rounded shape. This species is noticeably larger compared to other members of the blackbird family.
Male vs female
Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they share similar appearances. Both sexes show the same strong all-black coloration from beak to feet and also share the same size, making it difficult to differentiate between them based on visual characteristics alone. They are both larger than other members of the blackbird family.
Juvenile
Juvenile crows bear a resemblance to the adults but can be identified by their slightly different voices and shapes. However, as they mature, these differences become less recognizable, and they assume full characteristics of the adults.
Size
16.9 - 20.9 in/11.1 - 20.3 oz
There's more to learn about American Crow
View full detailsHow to tell the Hooded Crow from the American Crow
Visual differences
The Hooded Crow and the American Crow differ primarily in plumage and size. The Hooded Crow showcases a striking dark gray body with glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail, whereas the American Crow is entirely black. The Hooded Crow is slightly larger, at 19-21 inches in length and a wingspan up to 39 inches, compared to the American Crow's 17-21 inch length. Both species exhibit monomorphic sexes and have robust beaks, but the Hooded Crow's two-toned appearance is its key distinguishing visual feature.
Key differences and behavior
The Hooded Crow and American Crow both exhibit intelligent behaviors, but they differ in specific activities and habitats. Hooded Crows commonly forage by dropping mollusks from heights to crack them open, whereas American Crows are known for tool use and coordinated foraging in larger family groups. Both species are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, but Hooded Crows are more coastal and agricultural, while American Crows adapt well to diverse environments, including urban areas. In terms of breeding, Hooded Crows engage in aerial courtship displays and focus on monogamy, whereas American Crows incorporate family helpers into their breeding process, enhancing chick survival. Urban presence is more pronounced in American Crows, which thrive in various human-impact areas, unlike the more rural Hooded Crow.
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