Fish Crow

The Fish Crow, Corvus ossifragus, is a member of the crow family associated with wetland habitats in the eastern and southeastern United States. It is a smaller counterpart to the American Crow, with males averaging between 280-320 grams and females slightly lighter at 247-293 grams. The wingspan of males ranges from 278-292 millimeters, while females span 264-277 millimeters. The total body length of this species is between 36-40 centimeters.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the Fish Crow from the American Crow can be quite challenging. The Fish Crow is generally smaller with a silkier, smoother plumage that has a blue or blue-green sheen on the upperparts and a greenish tint to the black underparts. The eyes are dark brown. The bill is typically slimmer, and there may be a small sharp hook at the end of the upper bill. When calling, Fish Crows tend to hunch and fluff their throat feathers, which can be a helpful identification cue.

Habitat

Fish Crows are found in a variety of wetland habitats including coastal marshes and beaches, rivers, inland lakes and marshes, and river banks. They have also been known to frequent the land immediately surrounding these water bodies.

Distribution

This species is prevalent along the eastern seaboard of the United States from Rhode Island to Key West, and west along the Gulf of Mexico's northern coastline. They have expanded their range along rivers since the early 1900s and have recently established breeding populations in Canada along Lake Ontario.

Behaviour

Fish Crows are known for their adaptability and intelligence, common traits within the Corvidae family. They are often seen foraging in small groups and can be quite vocal, especially when in the company of other crows.

Song & Calls

The call of the Fish Crow is distinct from that of the American Crow. It has been described as a nasal "ark-ark-ark" or a begging "waw-waw". A mnemonic used by birders to distinguish the two species is based on the Fish Crow's nasal "nyuh unh" in contrast to the American Crow's "caw caw". Additionally, the Fish Crow may emit a single "cahrrr" call.

Breeding

Fish Crows build their nests high in trees, often forming small, loose colonies. The nests are constructed anew for each breeding attempt. The eggs are pale blue-green with blotches of olive-brown, typically numbering four or five per clutch. There has been an intriguing observation of a pair of Fish Crows raising a young Blue Jay.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the Fish Crow's diet includes small crustaceans, invertebrates, stranded or live fish, eggs and nestlings of other birds, small reptiles, fruits, peanuts, grains, and human scraps when available. They are adept at foraging both on the ground and in shallow water.

Conservation status

The Fish Crow is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has shown some resistance to the West Nile virus, with survival rates significantly higher than those of the American Crow.