# How Long Do Crows Live?

> Crow lifespan is typically 7–8 years wild (up to 16+). What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Crow (*Corvus brachyrhynchos*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Omnivore (grain, insects, carrion, scraps)
- **Habitat:** Farmland, woodland, parks, cities
- **Lifespan:** 7–8 years wild (up to 16+)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/crow/how-long-do-crow-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/crow/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a large, glossy-black songbird found across farmland, woodland, parks, and cities in North America. It weighs 300–600 g, spans 85–100 cm across the wings, and ranks among the most intelligent of all birds. Crows are opportunistic omnivores that live in tight family groups and typically survive 7–8 years in the wild, though some reach 16 or more.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Intelligence and problem-solving

Crows are among the smartest animals on the planet, with problem-solving abilities that rival those of some primates. They fashion and use simple tools, remember individual human faces for years, and can hold what looks like a grudge against people who have threatened them. Captive and wild birds have both been recorded dropping hard-shelled nuts onto roads so that passing cars crack them open, then waiting for a safe gap in traffic to retrieve the food.

## Help protect the Crow

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

---
Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/crow/how-long-do-crow-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.