Crows are a familiar sight across Illinois, inhabiting various environments throughout the state. These intelligent birds are a common presence, observed in both natural and human-modified landscapes. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in diverse settings.
Crow Presence and Species in Illinois
The primary crow species found across Illinois is the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). These birds are common to abundant and are considered year-round residents throughout the state, though some individuals migrate seasonally.
Another species, the Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus), is also present in Illinois, though less widespread. Fish Crows are slightly smaller and typically found along major river systems, primarily in the southern parts of the state. American Crows are encountered in nearly every county due to their widespread distribution.
Habitat and Common Behaviors
American Crows are highly adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments across Illinois. They are commonly found in agricultural fields, woodland edges, forests, and urban and suburban areas. They utilize parks, tree-lined streets, and even landfills for foraging and roosting.
These social birds often gather in large groups, particularly during the winter, forming communal roosts that can number in the hundreds or even thousands of individuals. During the day, these large roosts disperse into smaller family groups that forage opportunistically for food. Their diet is varied, including insects, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs of other birds, and carrion. Crows also display cooperative breeding, where young from previous years may assist their parents in raising new broods, helping with nest building and feeding.
Identifying Crows and Their Local Habits
American Crows are entirely black, including their legs and bills, typically ranging from 17 to 21 inches long and weighing about one pound. Their calls are a loud, distinctive “caw-caw.” In flight, they have broad, rounded wings and a short, squared-off tail.
Distinguishing American Crows from other black birds in Illinois requires attention to detail. Common Grackles are smaller and more slender, often displaying iridescent purple or bronze sheens on their feathers, unlike the American Crow’s subtle iridescence. Grackles also typically have striking golden or yellow eyes, while crows possess pure black eyes. European Starlings are considerably smaller than crows, with shorter tails, and in winter, their glossy black plumage is often speckled with white spots.
Common Ravens, while similar in appearance, are significantly larger than American Crows, comparable in size to a red-tailed hawk. They possess a heavy, curved bill and shaggy throat feathers. Ravens also have a wedge-shaped tail visible in flight and emit a deeper, croaking call rather than a caw. Importantly, Common Ravens are not typically found in Illinois, with only very rare or occasional sightings reported, meaning most large black birds encountered in the state are American Crows.