Corvus is named after a crow belonging to the Apollo. The crow was sent to get a cup of water, but on the way the way the crow decided to wait for a fruit to ripen so that he could eat it. Knowing that Apollo would be angry for the delay, the Crow also brought along a snake, which the crow claimed had prevented him from returning sooner. Apollo, knew that the crow lied, and for his treachery placed the crow in the sky, along with the cup (Crater) and the snake (Hydra).

Unfortunately with all legends like this, inconsistencies occur. For example read the Hydra story that has also been passed down through the same Greek Legends.

Of interest in this small constellation are the galaxies NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 which form the Rat-tailed Galaxy. With an 8 inch telescope you can see these 11th magnitude galaxies.

There is another galaxy NGC 4027 and a Planetary Nebula NGC 4361.