Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

Photo by Joe Bellantoni
Photographed: Clearwater, Florida

Identification

L. 15 in 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). Visual differentiation from the American crow is extremely difficult and often innacurrate. 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.

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

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.

Taxonomy

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.
This is a monotypic species.

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

Fish Crows forage in almost all habitats and eat everything from garbage to small animals, seeds, and fruits. Nest in trees most of the time and are quiet and hard to find during the breeding season.

Voice

Has a more nasal call than American Crow

External Links

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