American Crow
Learn to identify the American Crow by ear. Master the "caw caw caw" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the American Crow sounds like
A string of hoarse, ringing caws that carries a long way. It sounds bold, blunt, and instantly familiar.
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the American Crow
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the American Crow's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.
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Where you'll hear it
They live across most of North America year-round. Birds from the far north may move south in winter, while many others stay put close to home.
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.
How to recognize it by sight
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.