Corvids

Copyright Barbara Samuelson 1997

This Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) was photographed at Hawk Hill. These birds are common in scrub oak, chaparral, pinyon-juniper stands, and suburbs. All juveniles are grayish above, with blue on wings and tail. They are about 11 1/2 inches in length. They are a member of the Family Corvidae which also includes Magpies, Ravens, and Crows. Check out Scrub Jay Fun with Eggs and More Fun- the Movie

Raven

Copyright Barbara Samuelson 1997

Common Raven (Corvus corax). Length 24" Large bird with long, heavy bill and long, wedge-shaped tail. Most common call is a low, drawn-out croak. Notice the feathers along the bill.

For Tlingit Indians (North-western coast of the Canada and S.E. Alaska, known as The Inside Passage), the raven is the main divine character. He organizes the world, gives civilization and culture, creates and frees the sun. For Haïda Indians (North-western coast of the Canada and S.E. Alaska), the raven will steal the sun from the sky's master, to give it to the earth's people.

Crow

Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus). Length 16" Inhabits northwestern coastal areas and islands, where it is a common scavenger along the shore. It closely resembles the American Crow and is considered a subspecies.

The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) adult is 17 to 21 inches long, weighs about a pound, and is entirely black. The color enables crows to identify one another from great distances. At night, the color helps them hide from animals that prey upon them such as raccoons, owls, and hawks. Crows live 7 to 8 years. Crows eat grasshoppers, snakes, garbage, and waste grain in fields, as well as earthworms and baby birds. The American crow is the most widespread of the 4 crow species, found in every state except Hawaii. Crows vocalize uttering cawing, rattling, clicking and bell-like sounds. They are natural mimics and have been heard imitating human speech, bulldozer engines, barking dogs and telephones. Crows mate for life and never run off their young.

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