Tamaulipas Crow

The Tamaulipas crow, a member of the Corvidae family, is a relatively diminutive and svelte corvid, measuring between 34 to 38 centimeters in length. Its plumage is a glossy dark blue hue, exuding a soft and silky texture. The bird's bill, legs, and feet are uniformly black, contributing to its sleek appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Tamaulipas crow, look for its smaller stature compared to other crows, as well as its glossy, bluish-black plumage. The bird's slender black bill is another distinguishing feature. It is often seen in the company of the Chihuahuan raven, which is markedly larger and distinct in appearance.

Habitat

The Tamaulipas crow is native to northeastern Mexico and can be found in desert scrub, bushland, and even within the environs of farms, small towns, and villages. It also frequents more humid woodland areas, though it tends to avoid higher mountainous regions and coastal areas.

Distribution

This crow's range is somewhat limited, primarily residing in northeastern Mexico. It extends northward to Brownsville in southern Texas, where it is also known to breed.

Behaviour

The Tamaulipas crow is a gregarious bird, often seen in large flocks. These crows exhibit a strong social structure, moving in tight-knit groups across their range.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Tamaulipas crow is quite varied, consisting mainly of insects foraged on the ground. However, it also feeds on eggs and nestlings found in trees, as well as a variety of fruits and berries.

Breeding

Nesting habits of the Tamaulipas crow resemble those of the American crow but on a smaller scale. They construct their nests in trees or large bushes.

Voice

The vocalizations of the Tamaulipas crow are unique within the Corvus genus. It emits a low, croaking sound reminiscent of a frog and a soft "gar-lik" call, distinguishing it from its corvid relatives.

Conservation status

The Tamaulipas crow is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.

Similar Species

While the Tamaulipas crow shares its habitat with the Chihuahuan raven, the two can be differentiated by size and vocalizations. The Sinaloa crow is genetically similar but has a distinct voice, and the fish crow, also closely related, is part of a superspecies complex with these birds.