How Do You Know if a Bird is a Crow?

Crows are large birds with long legs and heavy, straight bills. These birds are entirely black in color, including their legs and feet. They have distinct feathers on their upper backs with an opalescent quality, which is especially apparent in the sunlight. Additionally, these pests grow between 17 and 20 inches long and have fan-shaped tails that are visible while in flight.

How to Identify a Crow

As crows are very social creatures, large groups will roost together during winter months. Though the birds like to perch on tall trees in wooded areas, it is extremely common for them to nest on rooftops in cities and suburbs, as homes provide ample food, water, and shelter.

Homeowners may mistake crows for ravens, as they are also large and black. However, crows have a unique “caw caw” call, which differs greatly from the raven’s standard gurgling croak. Additionally, ravens’ tails are not wedge-shaped.

What Problems Do Crows Cause?

Crows roosting on roofs can cause many problems. From spreading droppings that can carry histoplasmosis on sidewalks, cars, and buildings to causing structural damage to houses, these birds can wreak havoc for homeowners. In addition, their distinct and constant calls can be quite bothersome. While there are strategies to help rid residential areas of these pests, it’s best to let trained wildlife removal specialists at Critter Control safely identify and manage crow infestations.

Get them out.
Keep them out.®

Experiencing a wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.
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Christa O’Haver
23 October 2026
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Critter control has amazing quality service, timely responses and great staff!! I’m so pleased with our choice to have critter control service our home! Thank you!
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Lee Ann Chinn
23 October 2026
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Scott was able to trap the two animals I had at my place…a raccoon and a wood chuck under my deck. Real glad I called u instead of trying to do something myself!!!!
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Kyle Carney
23 October 2026
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I use Critter Control now for a couple of years and the service has been exceptional. Jarod Is our service technician and he is top-notch I recommend Critter Control highly!
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Becky Tice
23 October 2026
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We live in the country and Critter Control confirmed that we had some rats burrowing underneath our landscaping near our pool. I was mortified. Critter Control set up bait boxes and they took care of the problem! They do a great job of checking the boxes and replacing the bait, and they always inform us as to when they will be arriving.
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They removed a sick squirrel quickly and efficiently.
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vee kay
23 October 2026
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I wish to compliment Jared and Drew in doing an excellent job in removing bats from our attic. Both were very professional, competitent and efficient. It is a great relief to have the issue resolved.
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John Hubbard
23 October 2026
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It’s been a few months since they set up a one way gate to let the attic visitors out. When the unwanted guests left, Critter Control repaired repaired the wind damaged area that allowed the entry. Now they service the traps regularly. It’s great.
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Jeff sink
22 October 2026
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Critter Control had been great to help us with our recent mouse issue. We no longer see traces inside the house of mice.
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Maryhmuh
22 October 2026
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Charlene Skidmore
22 October 2026
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The team was great.