American Crow vs Barn Swallow

Corvus brachyrhynchos comparé à Hirundo rustica

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut American Crow Barn Swallow
Nom scientifique Corvus brachyrhynchos Hirundo rustica
Ordre Passeriformes Passeriformes
Famille Corvidae Hirundinidae
Statut de conservation Least Concern Least Concern
Longueur 45,0 cm (17.7 in) 19,0 cm (7.5 in)
Envergure 99,0 cm (39.0 in) 33,0 cm (13.0 in)
Poids 450,0 g (15.87 oz) 19,0 g (0.67 oz)
Régime alimentaire Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … Aerial insects caught in continuous agile flight, including flies, beetles, moths, and aphids. Drinks by …
Taille de la couvée 3-7 2-7
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
American Crow 45,0 cm
Barn Swallow 19,0 cm
Envergure
American Crow 99,0 cm
Barn Swallow 33,0 cm
Poids
American Crow 450,0 g
Barn Swallow 19,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

American Crow only

Barn Swallow only

American Crow

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

Barn Swallow

Open farmland, meadows, and areas near water. Nests almost exclusively in human-made structures such as barns, bridges, and eaves.

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Song & Call Comparison

American Crow

Chant

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.

Barn Swallow

Chant

A rapid, twittering song: a long stream of 'vit-vit-vit' and rolling chirps. Also gives a sharp 'vit' flight call. Song can last many minutes without pause. Musical and liquid.

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Geographic Range & Migration

American Crow

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

Barn Swallow

Breeds across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters in South America, Africa, and South Asia.

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Statut de conservation

Least Concern

American Crow

Least Concern

Barn Swallow

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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.

Bec

Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's

Barn Swallow

Plumage

Metallic blue-black upperparts, rufous forehead and throat, and pale buff to rufous underparts. Deeply forked tail with elongated outer streamers.

Bec

Short, wide, flat black bill adapted for catching insects in flight

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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.

Barn Swallow

The barn swallow is the most widespread swallow species in the world and has one of the longest migrations of any passerine. Its arrival signals spring across the Northern Hemisphere, inspiring cultural references from ancient Greece to modern poetry. Barn swallows have become almost entirely dependent on human structures for nesting.

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Related Comparisons

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