The American Crow is known for its love of corn.
After all the time and back-breaking labor invested in growing a hardy field of corn, there is nothing more frustrating than having your harvest go to the birds. When corn farmers look to point a finger at a specific garden pest, according to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (ICWDM), the American Crow is a likely suspect. "Crows are omnivorous, eating almost anything, and they readily adapt food habits to changing seasons and available food supply," reports the ICWDM. It is estimated that 1/3 of their diet includes animal matter including insects, grubs and mice. This is good news for farmers because crows can keep other corn pest populations low.
Unfortunately, crows also consume other plant matter, predominantly corn. As they do this, their heavy bodies can bend and weaken the corn stalks, causing breakage. They can also eat corn seedlings and other plants as well. Crows are also one of the most intelligent birds and can go into hiding when they suspect a threat is near. It may be difficult to determine if crows, and not other pests such as raccoons or mice, are to blame for the damages done in the corn field, especially if the damage is less severe.
Instructions
1. Look for signs of bird pests in the corn fields. If birds are the pest to blame, there may be feathers strewn about. If the soil is moist, you may see bird tracks and possibly bird droppings left behind.
2. Familiarize yourself with the features of a crow. Crows are rather large birds, but can be mistaken for ravens or black birds, if you have not seen them before. Crows, black birds and Ravens differ in size. From largest to smallest, crows are midsized and around 17 to 21 inches long, while ravens are much larger, and black birds are much smaller. Crows are coal black, as are ravens. While true black birds are not found in the U.S., the red-winged blackbird can be distinguished from crows and ravens by its red shoulder patch.
3. Visit the corn fields during various times of the day. The ICWDM notes that some crows prefer to feed in groups at certain times of the day, while others seem to be more solitary and on a less-strict schedule.
4. Listen for the characteristic "caw caw" sound crows are known for. A raven call is much deeper and more raspy or hoarse-sounding. A red-winged black bird has a gurgling call that sounds similar to "conk-a-reeeee or o-ka-leeeee," as described by Birdjam.com.
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