Seen a black bird and thought, “That’s a crow!”? You’re not alone. Many birds have black feathers and similar shapes. But not all of them are crows. Some are smaller, some sing, and others shine in the sunlight. This guide will help you tell them apart—fast.
Some are bigger, some are louder, and some are full of surprises. This guide offers a helpful list of black birds that people often confuse with crows—and how to tell them apart. Let’s take a closer look and see what makes them stand out.
Table of Contents
7 Black Birds
Sometimes, a black bird flies by and your brain says, “Crow!” But take a closer look—you might be meeting one of its lookalikes. Over the years, I’ve mistaken all of these birds for crows at least once. Each one has its own charm—and little clues to help you tell them apart.
1. Common Raven – The Crow’s Bigger Cousin
Bird that looks like a crow but bigger
The first time I saw a bird that looked like a crow but bigger, I assumed it was just an oversized crow. Later I realized—it was a raven. Its deeper voice and soaring flight gave it away.
How to tell it’s a raven:
- Bigger and heavier than a crow (up to 27 inches!)
- Thick, curved beak
- Wedge-shaped tail when flying
- Deep, croaky voice instead of “caw!”
- Flies with long, smooth glides
Where I’ve seen them:
- Forests, mountains, and desert areas
- In California, I often spot them along highways and in national parks
2. Brewer’s Blackbird – Smaller and Shinier
small black birds that still look like crows
As a birdwatcher with over 10 years of experience, I’ve learned to spot subtle signs that separate crows from their lookalikes.
How to tell it’s a Brewer’s Blackbird:
- Males are shiny black with purple-green tints
- Females are plain brownish-gray
- Smaller than crows (only about 8–10 inches long)
- Shorter beak, rounder body
- Often walks on the ground or gathers in flocks
Where I’ve seen them:
- Everywhere from shopping center lots to picnic tables in California
3. Western Jackdaw – With Piercing Eyes
Birds similar to crows and ravens
I’ve only seen one of these in a special birding event. Still, I remember that silvery eye staring right at me!
How to tell it’s a jackdaw:
- Smaller and stockier than a crow
- Gray nape (back of the neck) and lighter eyes
- Very social and talkative
- Calls are faster, more metallic than crows
Where they’re found:
- Native to Europe, rare in the U.S.
- Sometimes spotted by birdwatchers during migration or special sightings
4. Common Starling – Shiny and Talkative
They are not crows—but they can trick your eyes from far away.
I once thought a starling was a young crow until it flew closer and sparkled like a disco ball.
How to tell it’s a starling:
- Shiny black feathers with purple/green sheen
- Tiny white spots in winter
- Yellow beak in spring and summer
- Smaller than a crow, with pointy wings
- Mimics sounds—including car alarms and other birds!
Where I’ve seen them:
- Urban areas, lawns, streetlights—they’re bold and noisy
5. Great-tailed Grackle – Flashy Parking Lot Bird
Small to medium black bird that looks like a crow
I’ve watched these guys strut through parking lots like they owned the place—especially in California. Flashy and loud!
Grackle vs Crow vs Raven:
If you’re wondering how to tell a grackle vs crow vs raven, here’s a quick tip: grackles are flashier and noisier, with long V-shaped tails. Crows are chunkier and more social, while ravens are larger, have wedge-shaped tails, and deeper voices.
How to tell it’s a grackle:
- Long, V-shaped tail that flares out
- Males are glossy black with purple-blue shine
- Females are brown and slimmer
- Loud, crackly voice (sounds like static)
- Likes to gather in big, noisy groups
Where I’ve seen them:
- Shopping plazas, fast food spots, and open fields
6. Eurasian Blackbird – European Lookalike
Not in the U.S.—but often confused in books or travel photos
I saw one of these on a trip to Europe and thought it was a crow’s cousin. It sang a beautiful tune, nothing like a “caw.”
How to tell it’s a Eurasian blackbird:
- Males are jet black with bright orange beaks
- Females are brown and more plain-looking
- About the same size as a Brewer’s blackbird
- Known for their sweet, flute-like song
Where they’re found:
- Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
- Common in gardens, parks, and forests
7. Rook – Rare but Social
Another European black bird—not often seen in the U.S.
I’ve only read about rooks, but birders say they’re one of the most social black birds around. If you see a group acting like a feathered family reunion, it might be rooks!
How to tell it’s a rook:
- Same size as a crow
- Has a pale, bare patch near the beak (like a gray face)
- Long, pointy beak
- Flocks together in big groups
- Calls are harsher, almost like a rusty hinge
Where they’re found:
- Countryside and towns in Europe
- Not native to the U.S., but known in birding circles
Crow vs Blackbird – Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Crow | Blackbird (Brewer’s/Eurasian) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium (16–20″) | Small (8–10″) |
| Color | Matte black, sometimes with shimmer | Shiny black or brown |
| Sound | Loud “caw” | Melodic (Eurasian), or soft chirps |
| Social behavior | Highly social | Often seen in pairs or small flocks |
| Beak | Thick and straight | Slimmer or curved |
My Personal Experience Observing Black Birds
I’ve spent over 10 years observing birds across the U.S.—from busy cities to quiet forest trails. One thing I’ve learned? It’s so easy to mix up a crow with another black bird. Been there, done that… many times!
I still remember my early birdwatching days. I’d spot a dark bird perched on a streetlamp or hopping through a field and think, “Crow!” But half the time, it wasn’t. Sometimes it was a raven—other times a grackle or even a starling shining like a rainbow in the sun.
It wasn’t until I started slowing down, really watching their behavior, that I began noticing the little differences. Their voices. Their shape. The way they walked. Each one told a different story.
I’ve spent over a decade observing birds in the wild, attending birdwatching events, and studying their behavior firsthand. This isn’t just research—it’s part of my everyday life.
That’s when birdwatching changed for me—it wasn’t just spotting birds, it was learning their personalities. Let me start with the one we all know (and often confuse others for):
American Crow (The Benchmark)
Quick Answer: The American Crow is the go-to bird for comparison—it’s medium-sized, smart, loud, and very social. But it’s not the only black bird out there!
Appearance
- All-black feathers with a soft, satin-like sheen
- Slight purple or green shimmer in bright sunlight
- Thick, strong beak
- Eyes are dark brown—almost black
Snippet tip: Crows may look plain black, but up close their feathers shine in purples and greens.
Size
- About 16 to 20 inches long
- Wingspan: around 33 to 39 inches
- Medium build—chunky but not as hefty as a raven
Fun fact: If the bird looks “just right”—not too small, not too big—it’s probably a crow.
Behavior & Diet
I’ve seen crows eat just about everything—from seeds and fruit to french fries in parking lots. They’re scavengers, and honestly, kind of brilliant about it.
- Eats fruit, insects, small animals, and garbage
- Loves leftovers (yes, even your spilled chips)
- Walks with a steady, confident strut
- Calls out with that classic “caw-caw”—loud and sharp
- Will team up with other crows to find food or chase off predators
Quick tip: If you see a black bird working with a group and being loud about it—it’s probably a crow.
Habitat & Range (Including California)
I’ve spotted crows in every kind of place—deep woods, city streets, farm fields, even outside coffee shops. In California, they’re everywhere. But if you’re in Texas and spot a black bird that looks like a crow, there’s a good chance it’s a great-tailed grackle. These birds are super common in Texas parking lots and fields.
- Found all across the U.S. and Canada
- Common in parks, forests, suburbs, cities
- In California, you’ll see them in coastal areas, farmland, and even downtown areas
Location clue: If you’re in California and see a black bird hanging out on sidewalks or rooftops, chances are it’s a crow.
Black Bird That Looks Like a Crow – Meaning & Symbolism
I’ve always been drawn to black birds. At first, I thought they were all crows. But over time, I noticed little differences—and I got curious. I started reading stories, old myths, and even spiritual meanings tied to them. Here’s what I found:
Symbolism of Black Birds in Folklore
Black birds have deep roots in stories passed down through generations.
- In many cultures, they bring messages from the spirit world.
- Some believe they warn us of change or guide us in tough times.
- Some people say they hold the wisdom of those who came before.
- They often show up in old legends as protectors or watchers.
Spiritual Meanings (Just for Fun!)
Not everyone believes in signs—but it’s fun to explore!
- Seeing a black bird may mean it’s time to trust your gut.
- Some say it’s a sign to let go of the past and grow.
- Others think it shows you’re more powerful than you know.
- It can also be a simple reminder to stay curious and watchful.
What is a black bird that looks like a crow?
It could be a raven, grackle, or blackbird. These birds share crow-like features but differ in size, voice, and behavior. Want to know what makes them so special? Keep reading to learn more.
How can I tell if it’s a crow or a raven?
Ravens are larger with wedge-shaped tails and deeper calls. Crows are smaller and more social. Learn more about their differences in the wild.
Do all black birds mean the same thing spiritually?
Not always. Some represent wisdom, others mystery or change. Each black bird that looks like a crow carries its own unique meaning.
Why are black birds linked to mystery and magic?
Their dark feathers and silent flight often spark the imagination. They’ve long been seen as symbols of the unknown. Learn more about their symbolism.
Are black birds that look like crows good or bad luck?
It depends on the culture. Some see them as omens; others see them as protectors. Learn more about their deeper meanings across the world.
Conclusion
Next time you see a black bird and think it’s a crow—pause. Look closer. Is it smaller? Shinier? Louder? These little clues tell a big story. Birdwatching is full of surprises, and learning these differences makes it even more fun.
Also Read: Why the Intelligence of Crows and Ravens Will Amaze You
I still remember the day that sparked my love for birds. I was just a kid, sitting in my backyard, when a tiny bird landed near me. It moved so fast, its feathers flashing in the sunlight, and then it sang—soft, clear, and almost magical. In that moment, birds became more than just creatures in the sky. They became a mystery I wanted to solve.
That curiosity never faded. It led me to study Biology at the University of Scranton, where I dove deep into the science of birds—their behavior, their calls, and the incredible ways they survive. Today, that same passion drives me, and through Earth of Birds, I get to share it with you.