The American crow is the “default” crow across most of North America. It overlaps broadly with the common raven, and to a lesser extent with the Chihuahuan raven, fish crow, and northwestern crow. Study of vocalizations, bill structure and size, tail shape, and overall structure of this species will greatly aid in the identification of other crows and ravens. Regional variation in size of the American crow poses challenges, particularly in the northwest. Polytypic. Length 17.5".

Largest crow in North America, with uniformly black plumage and fan-shaped tail. Bill is larger than other American crows, but distinctly smaller than either raven. On rare occasions individuals show white patches in wings. Juvenile: brownish cast to feathers; grayish eye, and fleshy