How To: Identify the common crow when bird watching

If you live in the US then you've probably already seen a crow if you recognized it or not. The common crow has a distinctive if not dramatic appearance and a less than melodic sound. With this information you'll be sure to spot one.

The common American crow can be found living throughout almost all of the U.S. Here's how to spot it.
You Will Need

   * Binoculars
   * Field guide

How To Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird's field marks
Step 1: Observe the bird's field marks

Consider the bird's appearance through binoculars and compare it with the pictures in your field guide. Crows are all black, including their bills and legs. Their bills are thick and sturdy.
How To Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Listen to the bird's call
Step 2: Listen to the bird's call

Pay attention to the bird's call. Adult crows typically produce a full-voiced caw.

There can be variations in the crow's caw. Crows can actually mimic the whine of a dog, the voice of a human, and the squawk of a hen.
How To Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird in flight
Step 3: Observe the bird in flight

Observe the bird's flight pattern. Crows exhibit a methodical flapping of their wings and do not soar like ravens do.
How To Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird's posture
Step 4: Observe the bird's posture

Consider the bird's posture. Crows perch in a manner that tends to be more horizontal than vertical.

The oldest recorded age of a wild American crow is 14 years and seven months.