The all black American Crow (or common crow) can be easily spotted in backyards due to its large size and abundance in the urban areas. Although its feathers can have a slight purplish-black appearance in strong sunlight, they often appear coal-black. Even the feet and bill are black. An uncommon variance in some crows is the development of white wing feathers. While white winged crows are not very common in Nova Scotia, they do turn up occasionally.

The American Crow is often confused with the Common Raven. Besides being larger, the raven also has a wedge-shape tail and larger bill. (Picture: top is crow, bottom is raven). However, a first quick step to identifying crows is to keep in mind that they are social animals and are usually found in populated urban areas with other crows, while the raven generally stays in less populated areas, avoiding contact with humans. Ravens prefer the solitary life, except in mating season, when they travel in the company of their mate. When the crow is taking flight, it jumps directly in the air while the raven will often take two or three steps before becoming airborne.

Perhaps the best way to tell the two apart is to use your ears. The American Crow's call is the all too familiar "cah" or "caw", contrasting greatly with the raven's deep "gronk gronk" or sharp "wok" alarm note. About thirteen different crow vocalizations have been identified.

American Crows are gregarious and extremely intelligent birds. There are stories about both pet and wild crows learning to speak certain words. Crows are very adaptable and learn quickly how to obtain what they want, which can cause problems with the human population. Crows are ground feeders and will eat food scraps and cracked or whole corn. They quickly learn to open garbage bags. They are among our most wary birds and are usually the first to fly when someone approaches.

Winter is great time to look for American Crow nests as deciduous trees have yet to grow their leaves, allowing some nests to be spotted quite easily (although they prefer to nest in conifers). Look high up. You may be amazed when you discover just how many nests are in your neighbourhood! In 1997, a pair of crows nested directly across the street from the Museum of Natural History in Halifax!