The Tamaulipas crow is a crow found in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas.
Region
Northeastern Mexico (Gulf Coastal Plain)
Typical Environment
Found mainly on the Gulf slope from Tamaulipas southward into adjacent northeastern Mexico, with occasional records just north of the border in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It frequents coastal plains, open scrublands, agricultural fields, and urban and suburban areas. The species also uses woodland edges, palm groves, and parklands, often near watercourses or coastlines. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, including towns and refuse sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small crow of northeastern Mexico is famous for its unusually low, frog-like croak rather than the typical crow caw. It readily exploits human environments, foraging around towns, ranches, and refuse sites. Highly intelligent like other corvids, it shows flexible problem-solving and opportunistic feeding. It historically occurred in extreme southern Texas but is now only a rare visitor there.
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady wingbeats; short glides between perches
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks, especially at foraging sites and communal roosts. Pairs are typically monogamous and build stick nests in trees near open areas or towns. Juveniles may remain with parents for some time and join local groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are dominated by a low, grating, frog-like croak rather than a typical crow caw. It also gives soft rattles and guttural notes during social interactions.
