- Corvus ossifragus
Identification
L. 15 in (36 - 41cm)
Entirely black plumage with squared-off tail.
Best identified by voice (but beware that American Crows have a begging call in breeding season that is quite similar).
Fish crows also appear as if they have shorter legs when walking. More dramatically, when calling, fish crows tend to hunch and fluff their throat feathers
Similar Species
Visual differentiation from the American crow is extremely difficult and often inaccurate. Nonetheless, differences apart from size do exist. Fish crows tend to have more slender bills and feet. There may also be a small sharp hook at the end of the upper bill.
Distribution
This species occurs on the eastern seaboard of the United States from the state of Rhode Island south to the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Also along the Mississippi and adjoining rivers north to Kansas and Missouri. Expanded about 150 miles inland north to central New York state.
Common in its range, abundant in Florida.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
The latest genetic testing now seems to indicate that this species is close to both the Sinaloa Crow, (Corvus sinaloae) and the Tamaulipas Crow, (Corvus imparatus) and not as close to the American Crow, (Corvus brachyrhynchos) as outward signs would suggest.
Habitat
Follows many river systems inland for quite some distance. Coastal marshes and beaches are frequented, also rivers, inland lakes and marshes, river banks, and the land immediately surrounding all.
Behaviour
Diet
Fish Crows forage in almost all habitats and eat everything from garbage to small animals, seeds, and fruits.
Breeding
Nest in trees most of the time and are quiet and hard to find during the breeding season (March to June). Lays 2 - 6 eggs.
Movements
Migration poorly understood but seasonal movements to rich feeding locations common.
Vocalisation
Has a more nasal call than American Crow
Listen to voice clip
Recording © by Joseph Morlan
Piermont, New York, 16 October 2022
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Fish Crow. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 20 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Fish_Crow
External Links
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