Living Bird Magazine
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Living Bird Magazine
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CrowsNorthwestern Crow
Corvus caurinus- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Corvidae
Basic Description
Northwestern Crows are slightly smaller and deeper-voiced than the widespread American Crow. They often forage in coastal habitats of the Pacific Northwest, including tidal flats, in seabird colonies, and along rivers and estuaries (where they may wade into shallow water). Like other crows, they’re also intelligent and quick to capitalize on other food sources, including picnic tables, trash cans, and landfills. Where Northwestern and American Crows come into contact, many birders record the crows they see as “unidentified”—and it’s possible that these two extremely similar species may hybridize.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
Northwestern Crows are usually the only crow species present on the immediate shorelines of British Columbia and bordering areas of Washington state. Farther south around Puget Sound, where American Crows also occur, identification becomes trickier (young American Crows can sound like Northwestern Crows). To see a “definite” Northwestern Crow, visit areas such as Bellingham Bay northward to Canada, or the San Juan Islands.
Other Names
- Cuervo de Alaska (Spanish)
- Corneille d'Alaska (French)
