American Crow

The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a medium-sized corvid found at lower elevations in Banff National Park; valley floors, townsite, and montane forest. Often confused with the Common Raven: at high elevations (ski areas, alpine) the “black bird” is usually a raven; in the Bow Valley and Lake Louise townsite, crows are more common in summer.

Identification: Smaller than ravens (crow: pigeon size; raven: Red-tailed Hawk size). Fan-shaped tail vs. wedge-shaped; high “caw-caw” vs. deep “gronk-gronk”; smooth throat vs. shaggy “hackles.” Crows tend to flap constantly; ravens soar and glide.

Habitat and diet: Crows prefer montane and valley habitats; townsites, campgrounds, picnic areas, riversides. Opportunistic omnivores: insects, seeds, fruit, carrion, human food scraps. Many migrate south in winter; some remain in the Bow Valley year-round.

Behaviour: Highly intelligent; like ravens, they use tools and recognise individual humans. Social, often in flocks; may mob predators or competitors.

Viewing: Do not feed. Parks Canada prohibits feeding all wildlife; habituation harms birds and draws them to roadsides where they are hit by cars.

Runs: The resort’s Crow Bowl in the Back Bowls is named for this bird; though at alpine elevations visitors more often see ravens than crows.