Thieving Troublemaker

Meet Corvus brachyrhynchos - the American Crow. 

A common, year-round, resident here on the peninsula this is an all-black bird – including plumage, legs and feet and beak.  The raven shares some similarities with the American Crow but is measurably larger.  A raven sports a wedged-shaped tail (apparent in flight) while the tail of a crow is squared-off.

I happen to think that this is one of the smartest birds around these parts. a highly social bird they flock together for roosting overnight with unmated birds pitching-in to assist with raising the young.

Don't leave your car keys outside on the picnic table as this bird collects and stashes bright shiny objects in its nest.  It is also able to mimic the calls of other birds and human voices. As a trickster it uses this skill to make trouble and entertain itself.  This is a bird that not only makes and uses tools, it can solve puzzles on par with your five year-old, learns from the death of one of their tribe, holds a grudge and can even identify you on sight.

Anyway, here are a couple of fun action shots taken of this bird after an overnight snowfall.....