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Counting Rhyme

One for sorrow, two for mirth,
Three for a wedding, four for a birth,
Five for silver, six for gold,
Seven for a secret not to be told.
Eight for heaven, nine for hell,
And ten for the devil's own self.

(from The Folklore of Birds, by Laura C. Martin, 1993)

 


Crows are mystical creatures that have been worshiped
and feared for centuries. There are many different kinds of crow...
from the raven, that is as black a night, to the jackdaw, who has bright colored plumage. There is no clear difference between crows and ravens other than, by tradition, in any particular location, ravens are larger than the crows.
 
Eyes dark brown. All feathers black glossed with violet.
Size: 40-53 cm (16-21 in) Wingspan: 85-100 cm (33-39 in)
Legs black. Weight: 316-620 g (11.15-21.89 ounces)
  Sexes alike in plumage, but male averages slightly larger.

Common callof the crow is a harsh "caw." Also a variety of rattles, coos, and clear notes. Crows belong to the family Corvidae, a grouping that includes ravens, magpies, and jays. Of American birds, crows are thought to be among  the most intelligent  and social of all Birds. They use of mouth, beak, hand, or claw, in the attainment of an immediate goal, thereby using them as a tool. Crows have extremely good memory. "A crow never forgets". They have been seen making tools from leaves and twigs to catch insects. They hide their food in
tree bark crevices and amongst leaf piles. When it snows they
know exactly where to recover their hidden morsels. Crows work together to mob a threatening predator or another crow attempting to move in on the group's territory.  One crow will sound an assembly call, the flock will gather, and the group will pursue and surround the interloper, cawing loudly in unison. Not only will crows defend and protect their own family, but they will come to the aid of unrelated crows in need or distress. Crows do not get along with birds of prey,
such as hawks, owls, and eagles. They will gather together to
mob these birds if they can. Mobbing includes dive bombing, chasing, and harassing.

Crows will eat just about anything. You are bound to find them feasting at fast food  restaurant parking lots. They will eat bugs, worms,  road kill, mice, berries, corn, and a variety of other
tasty treats. An adult crow needs 11 ounces of food each day.
Many people believe that crows damage farm crops. T his is not always true. Crows often eat harmful insects, benefiting  farmers. American Crows mate in late Winter. Males and females build a nest together. Usually the nest is in a tall tree, but sometimes it is built on the ground.  Nest materials include sticks, twigs, bark strips, grass, leaves, roots, moss, feathers, and hair. They are usually about a foot wide.
Crows are very social in nature. Interaction with their own kind is extremely important to them.  Male crows will "court" their desired female.  The male will fluff his feathers, strut, and fly by, in his attempts to win over the female. Once mated,  crows usually mate for life Crows are cooperative breeders. Both crow parents take turns sitting on the eggs. All family members help in the care of the brood. As nesting season arrives, the juveniles from prior years, along with their parents, will help gather nesting material. The crow mother-to-be will arrange the nesting materials into a soft comfy nest. The number of eggs in a clutch is usually 4 to 6.They are great parents, teaching their young everything they need to know BEFORE they are allowed to leave the nest. Juvenile crows can stay in the parental nest for over a year They then live in large groups for up to 5 years until they find a mate.

People who have had Common Crows as pets have been able to teach them human words. Crows are attracted  to shiny objects. They may fly off with bits of foil or even jewelry if given a chance
 








 


 


















 

 

 

 

Very Important: The 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects
all native birds, including crows. It is illegal for  any person to possess birds, dead or alive, nesting material, eggs, feathers and bones of a bird, without the proper  permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the State  state you live in.. It is illegal to harm or kill a protected bird species. It is also illegal to remove or destroy nesting
material from a nest once an egg has been laid. Contact  the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for additional information
On the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act.If you find a sick, injured, or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call the St. Francis Wildlife Association, who possess all necessary permits, at 386-6296.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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