Crows

[Martin Scott]

Is anyone aware how you would look at 'doing' an American Crow from a Carrion?

Is it possible?

There was discussion on this a decade or so ago on Scilly about a bird at Borough Farm in late Oct, but I can't recall if it went anywhere.

A Carrion has turned up today on Lewis, where we only get Hoodies, so rekindled the memories of the discussions.

Martin

[AndyB]

Hi Martin, good topic! As I listen to the American Crows incessantly calling all day long outside, the call is quite different. American seems to have a shorter "caw" less guttural than Carrion. You'll hear it in some of the video links below. However, maybe I'm not remembering the vocal range of Carrion.

In terms of structure, American Crow is smaller and also smaller billed than Carrion Crow.

The videos below give a good and unique comparison between the 2 species. A (presumed) vagrant Hooded Crow in Canada jostles with some American Crows for a loaf of bread. It appears to dominate in size - longer tail too (compared to primary extension)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnXn0EHAVxk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwa5iXh2EwQ

also another one here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYszdLbKYc

I'm sure there are calls of American Crow on the web with a google search. The first video has the Americans calling towards the end of the video. A short series of "caws". I think a vagrant would stand out and it should be a species European birders should keep an eye out for - no doubt it will turn up at a port...

Hope this helps. Maybe it's time for someone to study these two a bit more and get someting formally written down.

[Martin Scott]

Thanks Andy

I was aware of the call, but I wasnt re the size. The videos certainly put that in perspective.

Bill looks more slender too in American - certainly one for folk to be aware of - and a lighter overall jizz.

How many Hoodies have made it to North America? I know a few Jackdaws have, but hadn't heard Hoodies had crossed over.

No sign of the Carrion today on Lewis unfortunatley

Martin

[Johnny X]

How many Hoodies have made it to North America?

Check this madness out:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=54970

[AndyB]

As Johnny X notes, thread describes a bit about the bird's discovery - same bird as in video. I believe it's the only Hooded for N. America. I guess Iceland to Canada is not too much of a stretch for a crow. American Crow has got to be a species worth being mindful of if you're looking to add a new bird to the WP list (ok maybe not as exciting as Yellow-throated Warbler).