Corvus ossifragus
Fish Crow
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.
Length
36cm to 41cm
Wingspan
84cm to 91cm
Weight
230g to 400g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
Purple
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 500 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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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.
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.
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.
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.
years
The Fish Crow typically lives for 7 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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.
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Global Population Trend
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.
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website: BirdLife International. 2016. Corvus ossifragus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22705993A94045235.
View sourcereport, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven