The American Crow is a familiar but somewhat localized species in Arizona. Unlike in many other parts of North America where it is widespread and abundant, in Arizona its distribution is more restricted, with the largest populations occurring in the northern and central parts of the state, especially around Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim, and river valleys. In the southern deserts, American Crows are generally absent, being replaced ecologically by the closely related Common Raven (Corvus corax), which is much more widespread across Arizona.
Crows in Arizona are most often seen in open woodlands, agricultural areas, riparian corridors, and towns, where they forage opportunistically on a wide variety of foods, ranging from insects and small animals to grains, fruits, carrion, and human refuse. They are highly social birds, often gathering in groups, and their distinctive cawing calls can be heard at long distances.
Because the Common Raven dominates much of Arizona’s landscape, the American Crow can be an unexpected find for birders, particularly outside its strongholds in the northern highlands.
