All About Crows? Pet Rules, Urban Life, Common Types & Raven vs Crow
- mktpromeal
- Sep 5, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Crows are everywhere—on rooftops, in markets, in farmlands, and even in bustling city streets. They are among the most intelligent and adaptable birds in the world. With sharp memory, problem-solving skills, and strong social bonds, crows have fascinated humans for centuries. But many questions still arise: Can you keep a crow as a pet? How do crows live in cities? What are the different types of crows? And how do crows differ from ravens?
This detailed guide explores each of these questions in depth.
Can You Keep a Crow as a Pet?
Many people develop a bond with crows by feeding them daily and wonder if they can keep one as a pet. However, the reality is that in most countries, keeping a crow as a pet is illegal.
In India, crows are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, which strictly prohibits capturing or keeping them at home. In the United States, they are covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which also bans pet ownership without special permits. These permits are usually granted only for rehabilitation, research, or conservation work, not for personal companionship.
Even if it were legal, crows are not suited to life as pets. They are:
Highly intelligent, needing puzzles, challenges, and mental stimulation.
Noisy and messy, with loud calls and scattered food habits.
Social by nature, living in large flocks, Urban Crows-Life in Cities
Crows are among the few wild birds that have not only survived but actually thrived in modern cities. Their intelligence allows them to live side by side with humans.
In urban areas, crows scavenge for food in garbage bins, marketplaces, and roadside stalls. They are bold enough to steal pet food and leftovers from homes. Interestingly, they still hunt for insects, worms, and small animals in city gardens and drains, showing that their natural instincts remain strong.
Urban crows are also excellent problem-solvers. They have been observed opening garbage bags, dropping nuts on roads so cars can crack them, and even imitating human actions. Their social side is equally impressive—they often gather in large groups around food-rich spots, calling others to join.
While their adaptability is remarkable, urban crows face challenges too, such as eating unhealthy junk food, exposure to plastic and waste, and constant noise disturbance. Despite this, they remain one of the most successful city survivors in the animal kingdom.
Common Types of Crows
There are more than 40 species of crows worldwide, but only a few are commonly seen. Here are the most recognized ones:
House Crow (Corvus splendens)—Found across India, South Asia, and East Africa. Slim body, grey neck, and is extremely common in towns and cities.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)—Native to North America, medium-sized, fully black, and very adaptable.
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) – All-black species found in Europe and parts of Asia, often confused with ravens.
Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)— Found in Asia, larger in size, with a strong and heavy beak.
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) – Recognizable by its grey body and black head, wings, and tail; common in Europe and the Middle East.
These are the crows most people encounter daily, whether in rural landscapes or crowded cities.
Raven vs. Crow—How Are They Different?
Crows are often mistaken for ravens, but they are not the same. While both belong to the Corvus family, ravens are a different species with distinct features.
Size: Ravens are much larger (65–70 cm) compared to crows (40–50 cm).
Beak: Ravens have a bigger, heavier, slightly curved beak with bristle-like feathers. Crows have a thinner, straight beak.
Tail Shape: In flight, crows have a fan-shaped tail, while ravens have a wedge- or diamond-shaped tail.
Call: Crows make a sharp “Caw-Caw,” while ravens produce a deeper, croaking “Kraa-Kraa.”
Habitat: Crows thrive in cities, villages, and farmlands, while ravens prefer wild landscapes like mountains, forests, and deserts.
Group Size: Crows usually move in large flocks, but ravens are seen in pairs or small groups.
In short, ravens are bigger, deeper-voiced, and wilder, while crows are smaller, more social, and more common near humans. So keeping one alone can cause stress and loneliness.
If you rescue an injured crow or a fallen chick, you can care for it temporarily. However, the ultimate goal should always be healing and releasing it back into the wild, not permanent captivity.
Crows are not just ordinary black birds—they are survivors, problem-solvers, and vital members of the ecosystem. From the house crow that dominates Indian cities to the American crow found in towns and fields, these birds have proven their adaptability worldwide.
While it is illegal and unwise to keep crows as pets, you can still enjoy their presence by observing and interacting with them in nature. In cities, they show us their cleverness daily, whether by scavenging for food, solving problems, or building social networks. And finally, remember: crows and ravens are not the same. Crows are the friendly urban survivors, while ravens are their larger, wilder cousins.
Together, they show just how smart and fascinating the world of birds can be.
FAQs About Crows
1. What do crows eat?
Crows are omnivores. They eat insects, worms, fruits, grains, eggs, small animals, carrion, and human food scraps.
2. Can I keep a crow as a pet?
No, in most countries it is illegal to keep crows as pets. They are protected wild birds.
3. How do you tell a crow from a raven?
Ravens are larger, have wedge-shaped tails, and have deep “kraa” calls. Crows are smaller, with fan-shaped tails and sharper “caw” sounds.
4. Do crows remember people?
Yes, crows can recognize human faces and remember them for years, especially if someone feeds or harms them.
5. Why do crows gather in groups?
Crows gather in flocks (called a murder) for safety, roosting, and to share food information.
6. Do crows talk like parrots?
Crows can mimic human sounds and words, but not as clearly as parrots.
7. Are crows good luck or bad luck?
It depends on culture. Some traditions see crows as wise and protective, while others link them with omens.
8. Why are crows important to nature?
Crows act as natural cleaners by eating waste and carrion, control pests by eating insects, and spread seeds through fruit eating.
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