This clever coastal corvid, known for its distinctive nasal call, is a master of shoreline scavenging from the eastern United States to parts of the Caribbean.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

36cm to 41cm

Wingspan

84cm to 91cm

Weight

230g to 400g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black

Secondary Colour

Purple

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Fish Crow and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 60
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 75

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 7 - 10 years
0
3
6
9
12

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Unknown

Global Population Trend

Increasing[2]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Corvidae

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Fish Crows can open shellfish by dropping them from heights onto hard surfaces.
  2. They're known to steal fish from fishing lines and bait from crab pots.
  3. Fish Crows have been observed using tools like sticks to probe for food.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Corvus ossifragus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22705993A94045235.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven