In most languages, there are no specified terms to refer to female crows. The word “crow” is a gender-neutral word. It refers to both male and female crows. Female crows have some distinct features that will help you to distinguish them from male birds. They are smaller in size. The eye rings are not as visible as the male birds.
Female crows have relatively shorter feathers on their back and have a more rounder shape. Some species of female crows have lighter coloring on their top. Apart from physical appearance, there are behavioral differences between the males and females.
You can tell a female crow from their size, weight, and voice. There are some other facts that you may find interesting.
Characteristics of Female Crow
| Body size | Medium-sized bird but smaller than male crows |
| Voice | Can make different types of sounds and mimic other birds and things. Their voice is more sharp and shriek than male crows’ voice |
| Color | Almost similar to male birds. Sometimes, the top of the female birds have a lighter black color. |
| Habitat | Sits in comparatively lower branches of the trees than male |
| Roles | Building nests, looking after the chicks, and collecting food |
| Plumage | Most commonly black with a glossy sheen |
| Lifespan | 7 to 30 years, based on species and environment |
| Intelligence | More intelligent than male crows and most other birds |
| Social status | Dominated by male crows of any age |
What Does a Female Crow Look Like?
Female crows have some differences that can help you identify them. As mentioned earlier, they are relatively shorter. If you want to differentiate them by look, it will be very tough. They have-
- A smaller and rounder shape body,
- Lighter coloring on top, and
- A chestnut or brown plumage.
Crows are quite a common bird species that are commonly seen in different parts of the world. However, you may find it difficult to identify their gender from a distance. They almost look the same. You can identify some differences between them from a closer look, though.
The male crows are bulkier, while the females are a little thinner. You will see a clear difference around their neck. The females have comparatively longer, slimmer, and slender necks than the males.
You may not be able to distinguish them, but these birds can. Female birds are very intelligent, and they can remember faces. If you are rude or kind to a crow, it will remember you for years.
Ways to Tell a Male from Female Crow
Apart from physical appearance, there are some other ways to identify a female crow. Here are the factors you should pay attention to:
1. Behavior Differences
Like many other animal kingdoms, male crows are more dominant in their society. They are more arrogant, braver, and almost always in charge of the safety of their families and colonies. You may notice that the male crows perch at the top of a tree, while the females can be found on lower branches.
A crow family, to some extent, resembles human families. The male crows will guard the nest while the female birds may sit on the eggs to hatch them. When it comes to looking for food or building nests, both male and female birds take part.
The male birds usually leave their nests later than the female ones after growing up. They look after the parents as well as the younger siblings. The females leave their nests once they are grown up and build a new nest when they find a mate.
2. Voice Differences
The voice of female crows also differs from the voice of male crows. Female crows have a shrieker voice, and each “caw” is longer than the males. The voices of male crows are bulkier, deeper, and heavier. The female crows’ voice can sometimes match the voice of juvenile male crows.
3. Intelligence Differences
Some studies claim that female crows have or at least demonstrate more intelligence than their male counterparts. They learn new things quickly and can solve various problems. You should note that male crows are also quite intelligent, but females win the competition.
It makes female crows one of the most intelligent birds in the animal kingdom. They can adapt to social, environmental, and ecological changes quickly. When it comes to protecting children from predators, they come up with different ideas. Like human moms, female crows do many creative things in everyday life to maintain the family and the chicks.
Female Crow Behaviour Explained
Female crows show different behaviors that are unique to them. Observing these behaviors, you can tell which bird belongs to what gender.
1. Reproduction And Care For The Babies
Like almost all other animals, female crows are the ones that conceive. After becoming mature and mating, they can lay about 2 to 4 legs at a time. Can the male crows lay eggs? No, it is only the female crows that have the capacity.
The male and female perform a cloacal kiss when the male bird transfers its sperm to the female crow’s body. After laying the egg, the incubation period can last between 2 to 3 weeks. The chicks live with their parents, and both male and female birds take turns looking after them.
Neither male crows nor female crows change their mating partner like other birds. They usually mate for life and remain loyal to each other. During every breeding season, they mate, and the female crows conceive. This continues till one of the mated birds is unable to breed.
2. Gathering Food
Both male and female crows search and collect food and bring food to their nest. They eat a wide variety of food. From living insects to waste, fruits, and vegetables, they eat various kinds of food.
They can find their own food once they are mature. After being parents, the female crow may sometimes stay with the babies when the male crow searches for food. Alternatively, the female crow will also go food search, and the male crow will guard the babies. It is an effective way of saving energy, looking after the children, and finding more food.
3. Female Crow Habitat
Female crows are mostly seen to live in the forest and trees. They prefer to stay in their nests most of the time. In some places, they have been seen nesting in giant eucalyptus. This is not a common habit of female crows, though. They also search for food when they have babies.
In their colonies, male crows usually take the higher branches of the trees. Female trees can be seen in comparatively lower branches. They avoid sleeping on the ground or open fields for added protection.
4. Voicing of Female Crows
There are some differences in voicing between male and female crows. Their voice communication takes place with 2 different types of sound- “craw” and “kraa.” Female crows have a comparatively shrieker and louder voice. Besides, they are intelligent enough to mimic different sounds.
Some female crow birds have been shown to learn to mimic the noise of alarm clocks, car horns, etc. They can use their intelligence to mimic these sounds if they are exposed to them regularly.
Fun Facts About Female Crows
Here are some interesting facts about the female crow that might make you awe them. You will appreciate the talent they possess.
- Female crows are more intelligent than most other birds. They have been noticed to build different tools to get their food with ease.
- They have an excellent ability to mimic other birds and other noises. In fact, they are among the finest imitators among the birds.
- Crows are great flyers. They can fly long distances without taking many breaks. Female crows have this ability even more. They can fly, if needed, up to 1000 kilometers and do not face many problems to do so.
- Along with flying long distances, female crows can perform different stunts and moves in the air. You can see this during their mating season. A female crow will fly around and copy the moves of the male crow.
- Female crows usually do not migrate to other places. Female crows can adapt to changes in the environment with much convenience. Unless the temperature rises or falls drastically, they remain in the same area. Even when they migrate, they return to the same place as soon as the situation gets back to normal.
Female Crow Symbolism
The female crows are considered to be different symbols across various cultures. Crows are common birds in various places. Their intellectual and well-structured social class has drawn the attention of humans.
1. Symbol of Wisdom
In some cultures and folklores, female crows are often referred to as the symbol of knowledge. Their efficiency in using different tools to get their food is impressive. There are many well-known stories like “The Thirsty Crow” that are taught to little children across the world.
2. Messenger of the Spirit
In some cultures, crows are regarded highly. They are thought to be the messengers between the world of living and the spirits. Seeing female crows or hearing their songs are often taken as omens or warnings.
3. Symbol of Transformation
Some native American traditions believe the female crows are the symbol of change and transformation. Their ability to adapt to the changes is remarkable. It inspires people in different tough conditions. They learn from these birds to be patient in extreme conditions.
4. Symbol of Death
In the USA and in some other parts of Africa, female crows, or crows in general, are regarded highly. The scenario is often quite the opposite in Europe. In some European cultures, crows are linked to darker spirits or symbolism. Some cultures also think that the bird represents death.
5. Symbol of Freedom
Many people believe female crows reflect freedom and independence. They are resourceful and can use their intelligence to perform and solve problems that male crows cannot do. They often live alone at an early age. They are one of the few female birds that can live independently. Their equal share of responsibilities in child rearing is also inspiring.
FAQs
Are male and female crows the same color?
To human eyes, both male and female crows have the same color. It is difficult to detect any difference between their skin color. The only difference in their color is that the female crows have lighter feathers on the top of their bodies.
What is the feminine gender of a crow?
There is no specific word to refer to female crows. The crow itself is gender-neutral. It hints at both male and female crows, depending on the context. You can use the term female crow to clarify your statement.
Can female crows lay eggs alone?
No, unlike many other birds, female crows cannot lay eggs alone. They will mate with their male counterparts during the breeding seasons. A successful mating will result in the female crow conceiving eggs. They need the semen of the male crows for laying eggs.
Do female crows chase away their children?
Some crows chase away their babies. This act can be done by both male and female crows. Sometimes, they may do it together to leave their chicks alone to survive in the wild. This behavior is not common in American crows.
Do female crows live alone?
No female crows do not live alone. They live in a flock of thousands of crows. Once they get mature, they find a partner and spend their lives together. Crows mate for life. However, if the partner dies, the crow will find another partner without mourning for the old partner.
Are female crows aggressive?
Usually, the male crows are more aggressive. However, if the female crows feel threatened or their territory is intruded on by others, they show aggression. Female crows become more aggressive when their babies are in danger.
Conclusion
Female crows are an interesting creature with their unique traits. They demonstrate unique behaviors, nature, and characteristics. They are more intelligent than most other female birds. They are associated with different symbols and are often regarded with positivity in various cultures.
