AMERICAN CROW
The all black American Crow and its familiar “caw” are common in Bell Canyon. A very social bird, the American Crow often roost in groups, forage in groups, gather to “party” in groups. They also one of the most aggressive birds and gather in groups to chase away larger birds like hawks, owls and ravens.
There is a lot of confusion over whether the big black birds around Bell Canyon are American Crows or Common Ravens. Normally you don’t find crows and ravens in the same area but here in Bell Canyon, we do get both species. Though from my experience around Bell Canyon, if you see a large black bird, chances are it’s a crow. But how will you know for sure if you you see an American Crow or a Common Raven?
Ravens are larger and can be over two feet from head to tail with a four foot wingspan. They are big birds, similar in size to Red-tailed Hawks. Crows are closer to the size of pigeons.
Ravens travel in pairs while Crows are often in larger groups.
When flying, look at the tail feathers. The Crow’s tail feathers are squared off and look like a paper folding fan when flying. Ravens have longer feathers in the middle of their tails so it appears more wedge-shaped when open.
When you get closer, Ravens have bigger, curvier beaks compared to crows.
Ravens also have longer bristles at the base of their beaks and their throat feathers appear more shaggy.
And while crows caw and purr, ravens croak and kraw.