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Crow

Crows are medium to large birds in the genus *Corvus*, within the family Corvidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Crows are medium to large birds in the genus *Corvus*, within the family Corvidae. The term is used for the genus as a whole and for several individual species such as the American crow and carrion crow. Crows are found in many parts of the world and are noted for their intelligence, adaptability, and harsh calls. In Canada, the American crow is common in urban, farmland, and wooded habitats.

Classification and naming

Crows are birds in the genus *Corvus* and the family Corvidae. In common usage, the word “crow” may refer to the whole genus or to particular species within it. Examples of crow species include the American crow, carrion crow, hooded crow, fish crow, pied crow, and house crow.

Appearance and behaviour

Crows are usually black or mostly black birds with loud, harsh calls. They are commonly described as intelligent, curious, and highly adaptable, often living near people. Their behaviour includes complex social interactions and problem-solving abilities.

Distribution and habitat

Crows occur across much of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Pacific region depending on species. They live in habitats such as woodlands, farmland, coastlines, and urban areas. The American crow is particularly widespread in Canada.

Diet

Crows are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet can include insects, seeds, berries, worms, small animals, eggs, garbage, and carrion. They are known to scavenge and adapt to food sources in human environments.

Key facts

  • Crows belong to the genus *Corvus* in the family Corvidae.
  • They are typically medium to large, dark birds with harsh calls.
  • Crows are omnivores and scavengers, eating a wide variety of plant and animal matter.
  • They are highly intelligent and adaptable to human environments.
  • Crows are widespread across temperate and other regions of the world.
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Canadian context

The American crow is common in Canada, and crows are familiar birds in Canadian cities, farmland, and wooded habitats.[12][15]

Frequently asked questions

What is a crow?
A crow is a bird in the genus *Corvus*, or more broadly any bird in that genus in common usage.
Are crows the same as ravens?
No. Ravens are close relatives in the same genus, but they are usually treated as different species or species groups.
Where do crows live?
Crows are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and islands, depending on species.
What do crows eat?
Crows eat a varied diet that can include insects, seeds, fruit, small animals, eggs, garbage, and carrion.
Are crows intelligent?
Yes. They are widely described as highly intelligent and adaptable birds.
Is the American crow found in Canada?
Yes. The American crow is described as common in the United States and Canada.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow
    Supports: Common taxonomic usage of crow as genus *Corvus* and broad naming usage.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/animal/crow-bird
    Supports: Definition of crow as genus *Corvus* and general characteristics and distribution.
  3. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow
    Supports: Family Corvidae, general range, and broad species-group overview.
  4. Merriam-Websterhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crows
    Supports: Dictionary definition of crows as large glossy black passerine birds in Corvidae, especially *Corvus*.
  5. Cornell Lab of Ornithologyhttps://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/overview
    Supports: American crow appearance, diet, habitat, and behaviour.
  6. Britannica Kidshttps://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/crow/353020
    Supports: General traits, intelligence, diet, habitat, and Canadian occurrence of the American crow.