Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
CORVIDAE Members: American Crow 391
General Comments
The American Crow, formerly named the Common Crow, is so common and conspicuous across the entire state that it needs little comment. Despite their abundance, they become remarkably secretive when nesting, and finding an active nest is not easy. They nest normally in medium growth to fairly dense mixed pine/hardwood forests (nest is typically built in a pine tree), but they forage in nearby croplands, pastures, residential areas, and other open areas such as landfills. They often form sizable flocks in fall and winter, up to dozens of birds.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5B,S5N
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Very common in summer, and very common to abundant in winter, over essentially all of the province. Less common on the Outer Banks and other coastal islands, and can be scarce at times there. Peak counts:
Piedmont
Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Very common in summer, and very common to abundant in winter, over essentially all of the province. Peak counts:
Mountain
Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Common at all seasons, up to about 4,000 feet; uncommon higher, and occasionally noted even above 6,500 feet (i.e., black corvids at high elevations are not necessarily Common Ravens; crows often outnumber them). Peak counts:
Finding Tips
None needed.