Details for Record 1003004

Species: Pied Crow (Corvus albus) (Species ID: 15957) - View Species | Quad Details   

Date: 12/25/2011

Quad: Curtis Bay (39076_B5)

County: Anne Arundel

Records: 1 total records, 1 for Anne Arundel Co., 1 for Curtis Bay Quad

Observer: Bill Hubick

Source:
iNaturalist observation #40457573

Specimen: No

Publication: No

Processed by: Bill Hubick


For all taxa:


For this taxon:


Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). This Pied Crow (Corvus albus) has been observed intermittently in southeastern Baltimore since at least March 2006. It is actually a raven (note the huge bill) and the species is widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa. My theory for its origins are that it must have been intended as a Baltimore Ravens mascot, but either escaped or was released. The area it seems to favor is only about six miles from the Ravens stadium, and of course non-native ravens are essentially the only legal option for mascots. The same species was used for a popular Windex commercial (YouTube video). When we photographed it (12/25/2011), it was drawn to a small feeding flock of Ring-billed Gulls and Fish Crows, and it seemed to specialize in ripping open large paper bags that probably proved difficult for the other species. Note the band on its right leg, confirming its earlier captivity. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.

Pied Crow in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/25/2011). (c) Bill Hubick, all rights reserved. Photo by Bill Hubick.