When walking outdoors, it is common to encounter shed feathers, and often these are the sleek, black plumes of one of North America’s most recognizable birds. Identifying the exact species from a single feather can be a challenge, however, as several common birds share a similar all-black appearance. Accurately identifying a feather from an American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) requires a close examination of its size, structure, and subtle color quality.
Key Features of Crow Feathers
American Crow feathers are characterized by their uniform, deep black pigmentation, which extends across the entire vane and shaft. This color is not entirely flat, as the feathers possess a subtle, oily iridescence that appears in good light. The sheen typically manifests as a rich, deep blue or purple, giving the feather a glossy quality.
The shape of the flight feathers provides a strong identification clue. Primary feathers, the longest wing feathers, tend to be rounded or slightly paddle-shaped at the tip. These feathers typically measure around 10 to 12 inches in length. Tail feathers are broad, relatively short, and possess a squared-off or fan-like shape. The feather’s texture is generally smooth, lacking the shaggy appearance seen in some larger related species.
How to Distinguish Them from Raven and Grackle Feathers
Crow feathers must often be distinguished from those of the Common Raven (Corvus corax) and the Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). The most significant difference is size; Raven feathers are substantially larger, often measuring up to 15 inches or more. Raven primary feathers also tend to have a more distinctly pointed or finger-like tip, contrasting with the crow’s more rounded end.
Raven feathers often exhibit a more intense, almost wet-looking sheen that can include shades of green, while the crow’s blue-purple gloss is more understated. Grackle feathers are noticeably smaller and less substantial than crow feathers. A grackle’s iridescence is far more pronounced, presenting a brilliant, metallic green or bronze sheen.
The Legality of Possessing Wild Bird Feathers
While finding a beautiful feather on the ground may seem harmless, possessing feathers from nearly all native wild birds in the United States is prohibited. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), codified in 16 U.S.C. § 703, protects all native bird species and their parts, including the American Crow. This federal law makes it illegal to possess any part of a protected bird, even if the feather was found naturally molted on the ground.
The primary reason for this strict regulation is the difficulty in proving whether a feather was naturally shed or was taken from a bird that was illegally harmed. The law aims to prevent the commercial market and collection that once threatened bird populations. While there are narrow exemptions for certain non-native species, such as the European Starling, and specific religious uses by Native Americans, these exceptions do not apply to the American Crow. The safest and most legally sound practice for any found feather is to simply observe and leave it undisturbed.