Historical information

The American Crow is common throughout North America. They reside in areas with open view and trees but can often frequent city parks, suburbs of large cities and along the seashore. The Crow is a robber and therefore, find living in locations which they can raid for food perfect. These birds are sociable animals and are often found in small groups made up of family members. All their lives they reside in the one location; however, they do migrate south during the autumn. They usually find their food by walking along the ground and eat both plant and animal foods. This includes worms, larvae, insects and fruits and nuts. Crows are also known to feed on small rabbits, frogs and mice. They are also identified as nest predators because they feed on eggs. In areas occupied by humans, the Crow will find their food source from trash and also road kill.

The American Crow is not considered to be an endangered species and list them on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern. However, large amounts of crows are killed for sporting and during campaigns (having a desire to reduce the population of the Crow in America).

This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Significance

This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research.

This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Physical description

This American Crow has black plumage which has slightly faded in colour. This colour fading could also indicate that the bird was molting because the feathers of the American Crow appear brownish when the are about to molt and these feathers give way to new glossy black feathers. The specimen has two black glass eyes, a dark bill and dark legs with talons. Both the edges of the bill and the talons are faded into a pale buff colour. It is likely that the legs and talons were painted a dark black by the taxidermist and the paint has either worn off or faded over the years. The bird is standing tall on a wooden mount and looking forwards. It has a paper identification tag attached to the right leg. The tail is short and the feathers are rounded at the ends.

Inscriptions & markings

153a. / See catalogue page 61