This is despite C. minutus being sympatric with C. nasicus on Cuba, indicating two distinct arrivals of crows onto the island, and a resulting niche differentiation, similar to C. leucognaphalus and C. palmarum on Hispaniola.A stocky, medium-sized (40–42 centimetres or 16–17 inches in length) forest crow, the bill of this species is long and deep with a gentle curve towards the tip giving a large headed profile.

The nasal bristles sweep forward then upward and frequently reveal the nostrils which are hidden in almost all other members of the genus Corvus.

There is a patch of dark grey bare skin behind the browinsh-red eye and at the base of the lower mandible.

It is frequently found around farms and villages where it seems to have adapted quite well to living in relatively close contact with human settlements.

The voice is quite remarkable and is rather un-crow like, with strange liquid bubbling notes and high ringing sounds produced in various combinations.