American crow

Crows live in family groups in which young from previous years help raise new chicks. In winter they gather in huge roosts. They remember individual human faces for years and gather around dead crows, apparently to learn about danger.

American crows are among the most intelligent birds, able to solve problems and use tools. They clean up carrion and eat many insects. West Nile virus killed large numbers of crows after it reached North America, and they have been slowly recovering.

Nest — A bulky cup of sticks high in a tree
Eggs — Usually four or five
Incubation — About 18 days
Chicks — Fed by the parents and older helpers
Leaving the nest — At about four to five weeks
Lifespan — Wild birds over fifteen years are recorded

• Young crows on the ground in early summer are fledglings, guarded by the family; they need help only if injured.
• Crows raiding bins are best discouraged by secure lids rather than harassment, which they remember.

• A crow on the ground in summer has fallen. It is probably a fledgling being cared for.
• Crows are pests with no value. They are intelligent scavengers that clean up carrion and eat many insects.

• Fish crow
• Common raven
• Blue jay