Bird droppings are a common sight in urban and natural environments. Crows, being large, highly visible omnivores, produce a distinctive type of waste that is frequently encountered. Recognizing the physical traits of crow droppings helps distinguish them from the waste of smaller birds and other animals.
The Distinctive Appearance
Crow droppings are noticeably larger in volume and mass compared to those left by smaller songbirds, reflecting the crow’s greater size. The appearance is generally a semi-liquid splatter or splay, unlike the small, coiled pellets characteristic of some mammals. The deposit is typically irregular, often spreading out on the surface it lands upon.
The consistency is semi-fluid when fresh, contributing to its splattered appearance. The fecal matter is usually a dark color, ranging from deep brown to black, common for birds with an omnivorous diet. The large size and dark color are the most immediate visual indicators that the waste belongs to a medium-to-large bird like a crow.
Understanding the Composition
All avian waste is composed of three parts, expelled at once through the cloaca. The solid, dark-colored portion is the true fecal matter, representing undigested food. This dark component can occasionally vary, showing a slight reddish or purplish tint if the crow has recently eaten berries or other pigmented fruits.
The most distinctive feature is the white, chalky material known as urates, which is the bird’s solid form of urine. Birds are uricotelic, meaning they excrete nitrogenous waste as uric acid crystals to conserve water, unlike mammals that excrete liquid urea. This white, pasty cap or ring is the solid waste product from the kidneys, mixing with the dark feces upon expulsion.
Distinguishing Crow Droppings from Others
The size of the deposit is a reliable starting point for differentiating crow droppings from smaller species. A crow’s larger body mass results in a higher volume of waste than a sparrow or robin would produce. Crow splatters are typically much more substantial than the tiny, often tubular droppings of smaller passerine birds.
Crow droppings may resemble those of gulls or herons, which also leave large, splattered marks called “splay.” Gulls often have a looser, wetter consistency due to a primarily fish diet. Pigeons tend to accumulate waste in specific, sheltered locations like under bridges or eaves. Crow droppings, however, are more often found in exposed areas beneath prominent roosting spots such as tall trees or utility lines.
Safe Handling and Cleanup
Crow droppings, especially when accumulated, carry potential health risks associated with avian waste. They can harbor infectious agents like Salmonella bacteria, and dried waste may contain fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis. Although risks are generally low, precautions are advisable when dealing with large deposits.
To prevent the inhalation of airborne spores, avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming the waste. Cleanup should begin by thoroughly wetting the droppings with a low-pressure mist of water or a disinfectant solution. Once saturated, the waste can be carefully scraped up and placed into a sealed plastic bag for disposal. Always wear protective gear, including disposable gloves and a face mask or respirator, when cleaning up accumulated droppings.