American Crow vs Purplish-backed Jay
Corvus brachyrhynchos compared with Cyanocorax beecheii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Crow | Purplish-backed Jay |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corvus brachyrhynchos | Cyanocorax beecheii |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Corvidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 45.0 cm (17.7 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 99.0 cm (39.0 in) | 34.2 cm (13.5 in) |
| Weight | 450.0 g (15.87 oz) | 193.76666666666665 g (6.83 oz) |
| Diet | Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-7 | 3-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
American Crow
Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.
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.
Purplish-backed Jay
Geographic Range & Migration
American Crow
North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.
Purplish-backed Jay
Conservation Status
American Crow
Purplish-backed Jay
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
Purplish-backed Jay
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.