DNR Question of the Week

[Lee Borgersen]

 2/25/13


              DNR Question of the Week
 


Q: A couple of years ago it was reported that the population of crows in Minnesota was declining. What is their status now?

A: American crows are still quite common in most of Minnesota, having adapted well to human activities. North American Breeding Bird Survey trend data for Minnesota show a gradual increase in crow populations since these surveys began in 1966. However, the number of breeding crows stabilized or decreased slightly between 2000 and 2010. Minnesota’s winter crow population, based on Audubon Christmas Bird Count data, also increased significantly since the 1960’s, although the population has fluctuated over the years. After several years on the down side of one of these fluctuations, the winter crow population seems to be on the upswing again.