Don't Overlook Black Birds

I am the first to admit that when I am bird-watching, I am the more excited to spot a very colorful bird over one that is more drab, even if it is rare. And, when I watch the bird feeder I am more intrigued by the cardinals, finches and blue jays, than the sparrows. However, a couple weeks ago during a snowstorm, it was the blackbirds that drew my attention.

They were among the few birds that were bold enough to brave the cold. And, since they were larger than any of the other birds, they really stood out against the snow. I had recently watched a video (below) of a raven at a bird feeder so I wondered if these birds were crows or ravens.



Again, on New Year's day, these large black birds returned to the back yard searching for food underneath the snow. After doing some research on the differences between crows and ravens I determined that these were Common Crows. Although a large crow can be about the size of a small raven, ravens are generally larger (21 to 27 inches). At rest, a raven's feathers on its chest will appear shaggy, where a crow's are smooth. The birds we saw had feather's that were definitely smooth. In behavior, a crow will appear more nervous, flicking their tale. This was the case with these birds, and it was difficult to get a close look at them since they were very aware of movement in the house. When I attempted to get closer to the window, they took flight into the trees. The birds did not make any noise, but another distinguishing feature between crows and ravens is their call. Outside it's easy to recognize a crow's "caw, caw". A raven, on the other hand, makes a longer "cronking" noise. Ravens can also make a wider variety of vocalization, as you can hear in the video above.

Although many people consider crows and ravens pests that destroy gardens and should be destroyed, both birds are quite intelligent. A few interesting facts I learned from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website about crows: 1) Crows typically mate for life. With a life span of 17 - 21 years, this means that a crow pair may be together from 13 to 16 years. Quite a feat, even in human terms!  2) Crows congregate in large groups, or roosts at night. Some roosts have been known to contain over a million birds. 3) Crows can learn to recognize and respond to specific individuals. Dr. Kevin J. McGowan, who has studied crows for years, claims that the crow families in the neighborhood where he frequests recognize and follow him for treats as well as recognize and chase him when he comes to band birds in their nests. 4) In spite of popular lore and the fact that my nineteen seventies Audubon Society's Field Guide to North American Birds states that they "often carry off and hide bright objects," the only items that wild crows will collect and store is food. But, since they are inquisitive birds,  crows kept as pets, may in fact pick up and play with objects, including those that are shiny.  5) Sadly, crows are hunted in almost every state, generally without bag limits.

American Crow

Another black bird that visited the feeder during the same snow storm was smaller, about robin size. At a distance it looked all black, but upon closer examination with the binoculars, it was actually covered in white spots and had brownish highlights on its wings. I was amazed by how unique its markings were and realized that I would have dismissed it as just another "black bird" had I not taken a closer look.  I did not know what is was, but after answering a few short questions on the Merlin Bird ID I was surprised to learn that it was a European Starling in winter plumage.

European Starling

Having grown up in a suburb of Detroit, starlings were everywhere. However, we have lived in rural New Hampshire most of my adult life and typically do not see starlings in our yard. Perhaps he, and his friends, were just passing through and decided to top and fuel up on some seed and suet. In any event, I am glad and not bothered by the fact that the crows and starlings have decided that our yard is an inviting place to visit in the winter.

February 20, 2017 Update: I went cross country skiing at Waterville Valley over the weekend and was pleased that I could recognize the distinct croaking of a raven in the woods as a result of researching for this post.