American Crow vs American Robin
Corvus brachyrhynchos compared with Turdus migratorius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Crow | American Robin |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corvus brachyrhynchos | Turdus migratorius |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Turdidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 45.0 cm (17.7 in) | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 99.0 cm (39.0 in) | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) |
| Weight | 450.0 g (15.87 oz) | 77.0 g (2.72 oz) |
| Diet | Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … | Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … |
| Clutch Size | 3-7 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
American Crow
Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.
American Robin
Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, and forest edges. One of the most familiar birds in suburban North America.
Song & Call Comparison
American Crow
Classic 'caw-caw-caw' repeated in series. Family groups use distinct dialects. Also gives rattling, knocking, and a short 'cah' flight call. Highly social and vocal.
American Robin
A clear, caroling song of 2-3 note phrases: 'cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio'. Sings from dawn perches. Sharp 'tut-tut-tut' alarm call and thin 'seeee' flight note.
Geographic Range & Migration
American Crow
North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.
American Robin
North America from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are largely resident.
Conservation Status
American Crow
American Robin
How to Tell Them Apart
American Crow
All black with a slight glossy sheen. Squared-off tail and smooth throat distinguish it from the common raven.
Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's
American Robin
Dark grey-brown upperparts with a warm brick-red breast and belly. White eye-ring and streaked white throat. Female slightly paler.
Bright yellow bill with a dark tip
About These Birds
American Crow
The American crow is one of North America's most familiar and intelligent birds. Research has shown they can recognize individual human faces and communicate perceived threats to other crows. They form large winter roosts of up to hundreds of thousands of individuals in some cities.
American Robin
The American robin is widely regarded as a harbinger of spring across North America. Despite its name, it is a true thrush unrelated to the European robin. American robins produce two to three broods per year and are among the earliest birds to sing in the morning chorus.