A Study of Krows

Corvus cristatus, also known as the crested crow, is a common, highly intelligent and adaptable species. It is best identified by the triple-pointed crown of feathers on their heads, which some believe to somewhat resemble a hat. They are roughly the size of the Common Raven (Corvus corax). They show slight sexual dimorphism with the male’s crest being larger than the female’s. Females show a preference for males with the largest crests. Uniquely, this species of crow is nocturnal, leading to the common nickname of ‘Murkrow’.

C. cristatus lives mainly around human cities and is known for going through trash heaps and eating roadkill, while also eating seeds, small animals, insects and nearly anything else edible. They are highly attracted to anything shiny, and have been known to try grabbing jewelry and coins from humans, showing little fear of them.

They live in large social groups, mostly composed of related individuals. Pairs are monogamous and mate for life, and clutches tend to have three to four eggs of a dark blue color.

A related but much larger species is Corvus ruficauda, or the red-tailed crow. At twice the height and almost triple the weight, they sacrifice the speed and maneuverability of their smaller brethren for size and strength. They’re also far rarer, and are never seen in groups larger than a breeding pair, but there have been unconfirmed sightings of large gatherings in areas uninhabited by humans.

Rather, C. ruficauda are typically seen with groups of C. cristatus. Due to this relationship these larger birds are often lightheartedly called ‘Honchkrow’. It seems these birds have developed a mutually beneficial relationship, wherein the C. cristatus bring food and other ‘offerings’ to the larger bird in exchange for protection from predators. (Including humans, which are often the targets of their attacks.)

Unlike C. cristatus, this species does not show sexual dimorphism in its crests, which are identical for both sexes. Rather, males have a row of bright red feathers on the inner parts of their wings, and a tuft of fluffy red feathers on their tails, which they display during courtship.

They tend to have large nests that they keep even when not breeding. They’re kept meticulously clean, and are also where they store the ‘loot’ brought to them by their ‘henchbirds’, which includes anything shiny, from coins to jewelry to broken glass to bottle caps.

Both species thrive in and near human habitation, but are often seen as pests because of their thieving nature and habit of leaving messes.


(( Yep. Murkrow and Honchkrow viewed as if they were real animals o_o Yeah. I was bored. But it was fun doing a realistic style! I decided to leave out the front part of the 'brim' of their hats since that would just get in the way while flying, so they end up with a crest like a mix between a jay's and a cockatiel's... Murkrow is really more based on a regular crow, while Honchkrow is based on a raven, being more heavyset and all. Whee. ))