Crows are protected under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. It is illegal to physically harm a crow or to destroy an active nest unless very specific federal regulations are followed. It is also illegal to keep a crow as a pet. Only facilities that possess federal permits to hold crows for educational purposes or research are allowed to keep crows in captivity.

Crows are often taken for granted, but can be fascinating to watch. If you have crows nesting in your neighborhood, watch how the extended family unit works together to raise the young. If you have a winter crow roost in your neighborhood, enjoy what is truly an amazing wildlife exhibition as the crows fly in from all directions in the early evening, congregate in what has been described as a “raucous happy hour” and then move to their roost trees as night falls.

Crow Populations

American Crow populations in North America are doing quite well. Unlike many species, they are more abundant today than when European settlers first arrived. Their ability to adapt to cleared agriculture landscapes and urban environments has allowed them to proliferate both in terms of population and range. Partners in Flight places their estimated global population size at 28 million birds and gives the American Crow its lowest threat rankings for breeding and non-breeding population distribution as well as threats to breeding and non-breeding populations. Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) indicate that crow populations have been increasing significantly at a rate of 1.25% nationally. 1.07% in Oregon and 2.9% in Portland over the past several decades.

A 2019 report on North American bird declines aggregated a variety of different surveys and found that American Crow populations have declined slightly in recent decades. However, it is safe to say that American Crow populations remain near historically high levels.