Sinaloan Crow

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Sinaloan Crow
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus
Species: C. sinaloae
Binomial name
Corvus sinaloae
Davis, 1958

The Sinaloan Crow or Sinaloa Crow (Corvus sinaloae) is a crow native to western Mexico. It is both visually identical to and the same length (34-38 cm) as the Tamaulipas Crow (Corvus imparatus) to which it is very closely related except that the tail is very slightly longer. It has the same silky plumage that is very glossy with black bill, legs and feet.

Distribution map
Distribution map

It occurs on the Pacific coastal slope from Sonora in the north to Coloma in the south and therefore covers a much larger area of land than its eastern relative. It inhabits coastal regions where it forages on the seashore, semi-desert, open woodlands, river banks and hills up to 300 metres or more. It is very common around coastal towns and villages.

Food is taken both on the ground and in trees. On the seashore it can be found turning over objects to find its food and it will take a wide range of invertebrates such as small shellfish, crabs, and insects. Fruits of many types are also taken and eggs and nestlings are also on the menu when opportunity arises.

Often, this bird will nest in a thorny tree or a tall coconut palm where its nest is said to be similar to the American Crow though smaller.

The voice is different from the Tamaulipas Crow in that it is quite clear and is described as a "ceow".

Another species, the Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus from the southeastern seaboard of the United States is also considered genetically very close to both this species and the Tamaulipas Crow Corvus imparatus and the three are now considered a "Superspecies".

Other names: It has been know as the Mexican Crow (as has the Tamaulipas Crow).

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