Quick answer
Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are birds found across North America. The glossy black genius of the bird world. Adults typically weigh 300–600 g (11–21 oz), reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), and live 7–8 years wild (up to 16+). They feed on omnivore (grain, insects, carrion, scraps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, parks, and cities across the United States and Canada.
Key takeaway
Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are birds found across North America. The glossy black genius of the bird world. Adults typically weigh 300–600 g (11–21 oz), reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), and live 7–8 years wild (up to 16+). They feed on omnivore (grain, insects, carrion, scraps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, parks, and cities across the United States and Canada.
Crow overview
Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 300–600 g (11–21 oz); lifespan around 7–8 years wild (up to 16+).
Crow ecology
Diet: Omnivore (grain, insects, carrion, scraps). Habitat: Farmland, woodland, parks, cities. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Crows and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild crows are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Crow profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Crows inhabit Fields, woodlands, parks, and cities across the United States and Canada. Their preferred habitat includes farmland, woodland, parks, cities, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across North America.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult crows typically measure about 0.5 m in length and weigh 300–600 g (11–21 oz). They can sprint at up to 60 km/h (37 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Crows are known for the glossy black genius of the bird world — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Crow FAQs
What are key facts about crows?
Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are birds found across North America. The glossy black genius of the bird world. Adults typically weigh 300–600 g (11–21 oz), reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), and live 7–8 years wild (up to 16+). They feed on omnivore (grain, insects, carrion, scraps) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, parks, and cities across the United States and Canada.
What is the scientific name of the crow?
Corvus brachyrhynchos — used in research and conservation listings for crows.
What do crows eat?
Crows eat grain, insects, carrion and scraps, with seasonal and regional variation in Farmland, woodland, parks, cities.
Where do crows live?
They are associated with Farmland, woodland, parks, cities. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of crows?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.