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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Bird

Crow

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

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Crows are medium to large birds in the genus Corvus, known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are found worldwide and are familiar in Canadian cities and countryside.

What it is

Crows belong to the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. The term 'crow' can refer to the whole genus or specific species like the American crow or carrion crow. They are typically black or glossy black birds with harsh, loud calls.

Where it lives and what it eats

Crows are found across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Pacific. They live in woodlands, farmland, coastlines, and urban areas. They are omnivorous, eating insects, seeds, fruit, small animals, eggs, garbage, and carrion.

Why it matters

Crows are widely noted for their high intelligence and adaptability to human environments. In Canada, the American crow is common in cities, farmland, and wooded habitats, making them a familiar part of the landscape.

In short

  • Crows are birds in the genus Corvus, family Corvidae.
  • They are highly intelligent and adaptable.
  • Crows are omnivorous scavengers.
  • The American crow is common across Canada.
Canadian angle

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

Quick 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.
Are crows intelligent?
Yes. They are widely described as highly intelligent and adaptable birds.

Sources

  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.