Vancouver, BC - American Crow OR Northwestern Crow? (1 Viewer)

[Kanger]

Hi I took these pictures near my place.

City urban area. Vancouver, BC, Canada, resident area. These crow always hang out near my place and also are very commonly spotted in in other neighbourhood in the city.
Would anyone please identify what species of crow are they?

 

[THE_FERN]

In my opinion, Northwestern crow never met the criteria to be considered a "proper" species. AFAIK, it was only ever identifiable by location—"if you're in such and such a place it must / might be a northwestern crow". It's now been subsumed back into the American crow species pretty much universally; I think it's maintained as a somewhat ill-defined subspecies of this taxon by some.

 

[AveryBartels]

Hi Kanger, the crows of coastal BC (and Washingston/Alaska) used to be considered Northwestern Crow and most bird books except the most up to date will have them as such. However, a few years ago genetic studies indicated that they are better placed as part of American Crow so they are now considered to be that species as "Northwestern" and American interbreed freely where ranges meet in coastal Washington state.

 

[Kanger]

In my opinion, Northwestern crow never met the criteria to be considered a "proper" species. AFAIK, it was only ever identifiable by location—"if you're in such and such a place it must / might be a northwestern crow". It's now been subsumed back into the American crow species pretty much universally; I think it's maintained as a somewhat ill-defined subspecies of this taxon by some.

Thanks for sharing your great knowledge. Much appreciated.

 

[Kanger]

Hi Kanger, the crows of coastal BC (and Washingston/Alaska) used to be considered Northwestern Crow and most bird books except the most up to date will have them as such. However, a few years ago genetic studies indicated that they are better placed as part of American Crow so they are now considered to be that species as "Northwestern" and American interbreed freely where ranges meet in coastal Washington state.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your answer is very helpful!