Crows are long-lived for a wild bird, and their intelligence helps them survive. Just how long they live depends a lot on the dangers they face in the wild.
How long do crows live in the wild?
Most wild crows live around 7 to 10 years, though many die younger, and some well-established birds reach 15 to 20 years. Young crows face the highest risks — predators, disease, cars and harsh weather — so a crow that survives its first couple of years has a good chance of a long life.
Crows in captivity live much longer
Protected from predators and with a steady food supply, captive crows can live 20 to 30 years or more. There are records of individual crows reaching their thirties, and the closely related raven can live even longer.
Why crows can live so long
Crows are highly intelligent, social birds that learn from experience and each other, recognise individual human faces, and warn their family of danger. That problem-solving ability, combined with a flexible, omnivorous diet, helps them avoid threats and find food where other birds cannot.