American Crow vs Plush-crested Jay

Corvus brachyrhynchos compared with Cyanocorax chrysops

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Crow Plush-crested Jay
Scientific Name Corvus brachyrhynchos Cyanocorax chrysops
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) 31.0 cm (12.2 in)
Weight 450.0 g (15.87 oz) 162.0 g (5.71 oz)
Diet Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … --
Clutch Size 3-7 2-7
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
American Crow 45.0 cm
Plush-crested Jay
Wingspan
American Crow 99.0 cm
Plush-crested Jay 31.0 cm
Weight
American Crow 450.0 g
Plush-crested Jay 162.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Crow only

Plush-crested Jay only

None

American Crow

Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.

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Song & Call Comparison

American Crow

Song

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.

Plush-crested Jay

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Geographic Range & Migration

American Crow

North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.

Plush-crested Jay

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Crow

Least Concern

Plush-crested Jay

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How to Tell Them Apart

American Crow

Plumage

All black with a slight glossy sheen. Squared-off tail and smooth throat distinguish it from the common raven.

Bill

Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's

Plush-crested Jay

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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.

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Related Comparisons

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