Watercolor portrait of American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos
They live across most of North America y… They thrive almost anywhere with trees n… Common Series of Caws

Learn to identify the American Crow by ear. Master the "caw caw caw" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“caw-caw-caw, caw-caw!”

What the American Crow sounds like

A big, glossy black bird with a sharp eye and a louder-than-life voice. American Crows strut across lawns, flap over roads, and fill the air with rough, familiar caws.

“caw caw caw”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A string of hoarse, ringing caws that carries a long way. It sounds bold, blunt, and instantly familiar. Often written as “caw-caw-caw, caw-caw!”.
Don't confuse with:The Fish Crow — usually smaller and slightly slimmer overall.

Lessons featuring the American Crow

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the American Crow's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Meet the Neighbors lesson habitat
Meet the Neighbors
Tier 1 · Right Out the Door
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Where you'll hear it

They thrive almost anywhere with trees nearby—woodlots, farm fields, suburbs, city parks, and open country. You'll often spot them feeding on the ground or perched high where they can watch everything.

Active in every season, they solve problems, cache food, and keep track of people and other crows year-round. They can use tools, but only occasionally in the wild—unlike a few other corvids, they are not habitual tool users.

Similar species

Fish Crow

Usually smaller and slightly slimmer overall.

Common Raven

Much larger, with a heavier, more curved bill and shaggy throat feathers.

Northwestern Crow

Very similar and often not reliably separable by sight alone.

American Crow song FAQ

What does an American Crow sound like?
A string of hoarse, ringing caws that carries a long way. It sounds bold, blunt, and instantly familiar. Listen for the "caw caw caw" phrase.
How do I tell an American Crow from a Fish Crow by sound?
Fish Crow: Usually smaller and slightly slimmer overall.; Voice is the best clue: a nasal, clipped call unlike the fuller 'caw' of an American Crow.; Often found near coasts, rivers, and wetlands, though range overlap is expanding inland..
When is the best time to hear an American Crow?
Active in every season, they solve problems, cache food, and keep track of people and other crows year-round. They can use tools, but only occasionally in the wild—unlike a few other corvids, they are not habitual tool users.