Species Profile
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
7–10 years
Length
36–41 cm
Weight
230–400 g
Wingspan
84–91 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
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Appearance
The Fish Crow is a medium-sized corvid with glossy black plumage that shows a subtle purple sheen in good light. It has a slender build, with a relatively small head and a thin, slightly curved bill shorter than the American Crow's.
Juveniles appear similar to adults but may have a duller plumage and less glossy feathers. There's no significant difference between males and females in appearance.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Purple
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Markings
Entire body is black
Tail: Square or slightly rounded
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Fish Crows are primarily found along the eastern and southeastern coasts of the United States, from New England to Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas. They inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and inland waterways. Populations have expanded into Canada, especially along Lake Ontario.
While mostly coastal, they have expanded their range inland along major rivers and lakes. In the USA, they're common in coastal cities and towns, adapting well to urban environments near water bodies.
Distribution
Diet
Fish Crows have a varied diet, primarily consisting of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks found in coastal waters. They also consume insects, small reptiles, bird eggs, and nestlings. Opportunistic feeders, they readily take advantage of human food scraps in urban areas.
Behaviour
Fish Crows are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks or pairs. They're known for their agile flight, frequently soaring and gliding over water bodies.
These intelligent birds are opportunistic foragers, often following fishing boats or scavenging along beaches and waterfronts.
Calls & Sounds
The Fish Crow's call is distinctively nasal and short, often described as a two-note 'uh-uh' or 'ca-ha'. It is higher-pitched and less harsh than the American Crow's 'caw'. The Fish Crow also produces a variety of softer croaks, rattles, and guttural sounds in social interactions.
Nesting & Breeding
Fish Crows typically form monogamous pairs and breed from March to June. They engage in courtship displays that include aerial chases and mutual preening.
Nests are built in trees or large shrubs, often near water. They are a bulky structure of sticks lined with softer materials like grass and bark. Females lay 3-5 pale blue-green eggs with brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 16-18 days. Nestlings fledge after approximately 30-35 days but may remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
While the Fish Crow is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Local populations may be affected by pollution in aquatic ecosystems, which can impact their food sources.
Elevation
Up to 500 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 3cm x 4cm
- Predators:
- Main predators include large raptors such as Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, and occasionally Peregrine Falcons. Raccoons and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
- Alarm calls:
- Rapid cawing
- Breeding age:
- 2-3
- Maturity age:
- 2
- Feeding times:
- Throughout the day
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, pollution
- Parental care:
- Female solely incubates, but both parents care for young
- Primary calls:
- Distinctive caw, often in series
- Social habits:
- Forms large flocks, especially outside breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Pale Blue-green with brown markings
- Feeding habits:
- Forages on ground or in trees, sometimes scavenges
- Breeding season:
- April to July
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with season and availability
- Fledging period:
- 4-5 weeks
- Average lifespan:
- 7
- Call description:
- Short, nasal caw or yelp
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, foraging on ground or in trees
- Nesting location:
- Trees or shrubs
- Incubation period:
- Around 18 days
- Nest construction:
- Stick nest lined with softer materials
- Migration patterns:
- Some populations migrate short distances south in winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Partially migratory, with some populations moving south in winter
- Age related changes:
- None known
- Prey capture method:
- Picks up food with beak
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nest site
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-6 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Interacts with various bird species in shared habitats
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Fish Crows near coastal areas, rivers, and lakes
- Listen for their distinctive nasal 'uh-uh' call, which differs from the American Crow's 'caw'
- Observe their behavior around water, including following boats and foraging on shorelines
- Note their slightly smaller size and more slender build compared to American Crows
Did You Know?
- Fish Crows can open shellfish by dropping them from heights onto hard surfaces.
- They're known to steal fish from fishing lines and bait from crab pots.
- Fish Crows have been observed using tools like sticks to probe for food.
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