Crows are intelligent and adaptable birds commonly found across many landscapes, from rural areas to bustling cities. Understanding their reproductive cycles, including their eggs and nest locations, offers insight into their lives.
What Crow Eggs Look Like
Crow eggs display a range of colors and patterns. The base color typically varies from bluish-green to light olive or malachite green, with some also appearing in shades of olive buff. This ground color serves as a canvas for various markings.
Crow eggs are often adorned with speckles, spots, or blotches. These markings typically come in shades of brown, olive, or gray, with some also featuring black. Their distribution can differ, sometimes being large and irregularly spread, often concentrating more heavily towards the larger end, or fine and evenly distributed for a more uniform dark olive appearance.
Crow eggs are generally ovate, though some variations exist, with eggs occasionally being shorter and more rounded or elongated. American crow eggs typically measure between 1.4 to 1.9 inches (3.6 to 4.7 cm) in length. Their width usually ranges from 1.0 to 1.2 inches (2.6 to 3.1 cm).
Where Crows Build Nests and Lay Eggs
Crows construct their nests in various locations, often choosing tall trees for security. They commonly build in deciduous or coniferous trees, typically positioning their nests high up, between 18 to 60 feet above the ground. Nests are usually placed in a crotch near the tree trunk or on a horizontal branch, often in the upper third or quarter of the tree where they are well-hidden. While they prefer trees, crows are adaptable and may nest in urban settings like parks, golf courses, or, if trees are scarce, even on the ground.
Crow nests are substantial and cup-shaped, built from a collection of sturdy materials. The outer structure is primarily made of twigs, sticks, and coarse stems, sometimes incorporating human-made debris like wire or plastic. The inner cup of the nest is lined with softer materials, which can include shredded bark, pine needles, feathers, grass, cloth, string, animal hair, moss, or paper, providing a soft bed for the eggs.
The breeding season for crows generally begins in early spring. In northern regions, egg-laying typically occurs from March to May, while in southern areas, it can start earlier. Nest construction usually takes about one to two weeks to complete before the female begins laying eggs. A typical clutch size for crows ranges from three to nine eggs, with an average of four to six eggs per clutch. Most crow pairs produce one brood per year, though some may have two, particularly in warmer southern climates.
What to Do if You Find Crow Eggs
If you discover crow eggs or a crow’s nest, leave them undisturbed. Interfering with wild bird nests and eggs can be harmful. Wild birds, including crows, are protected under federal laws in the United States.
Specifically, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the taking, possessing, or disturbing of crows, their nests, or their eggs without a permit. Violating this act can lead to significant fines and penalties. The best course of action is to observe the nest respectfully from a distance.
If you have concerns about injured adult birds or abandoned young, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control. Do not attempt to move or incubate eggs yourself. Exercise caution around active crow nests, as parent crows can be protective.