tamaulipas

1. Bird Name:
Tamaulipas Crow
Scientific (Latin) name: Corvus imparatus

2. Appearance:
The Tamaulipas Crow is overwhelmingly black in color, displaying a dense, uniform dark plumage that absorbs the light, reflecting very little. It possesses a slender bill, black in color, quite reflective and curved towards its end. Its eyes are equally dark, all contributing to this bird’s striking and somewhat ominous appearance. There is no sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to distinguish between the male and female.

3. Size:
Tamaulipas Crows are relatively small sized birds, having an average length of around 34-38 centimeters, which is similar to 13-15 inches. Their wingspan takes up about 65-68 centimeters or 25-26 inches, allowing them a quick and agile flight. These birds weigh approximately 205-250 grams (7.2-8.8 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution:
The Tamaulipas Crow inhabits the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, mostly in the Tamaulipas region and other parts of northeastern Mexico. Crows are adaptable birds and are found in a variety of habitats including the coastal prairies and wetlands, farmlands, and occasionally, urban areas.

5. Interesting Facts:
Interestingly, the Tamaulipas Crow is known to be somewhat of a silent bird, not associated with the cawing noise common with its crow family relatives. Regarding migration, this crow is not a long distance migrant but flocks are known to roam around their region seasonally. Due to their limited distribution and subtlety, they have somewhat of a mysterious aura in bird-watching communities.

6. Diet:
The diet of a Tamaulipas Crow is omnivorous, consisting of a range of items including seeds, fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. On occasion, they have been known to forage in garbage in urban areas.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
The Tamaulipas Crow is less vocal compared to most of its family, with softer, cooing calls and a variety of croaking sounds. As social birds, they often gather in large numbers especially during foraging and roosting. Their nesting style is quite unique as they build nests on top of tall trees or on poles, and are typically built with sticks, grasses, and mud.

8. Conservation Status:
According to the IUCN Red List, the Tamaulipas Crow falls under the category of ‘Least Concern.’ However, due to habitat disruption in the lower Rio Grande Valley, the numbers of Tamaulipas Crow in the United States have been adversely affected.

9. Lifespan:
Crows are often known for their longevity. The Tamaulipas Crow is no exception, with a lifespan that can extend up to 20 years in the wild if conditions are favorable.

10. Additional Notes:
In Mexico, Tamaulipas Crows are sometimes colloquially referred to as “Cuervo Tamaulipeco.” They also play important roles in their native ecosystems as they help in the disposal of animal waste by scavenging and are pest managers due to their diet of insects. Their adaptability makes them indicators of a healthy environment, as a diverse diet allows them to withstand many ecosystem changes, while their decline often indicates issues within their habitat. Their presence in urban areas also emphasizes their adaptability to human disturbances, providing an example of how some wildlife species can co-exist with human developments.