Fish Crow

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

Least Concern

The Fish Crow, a member of the Corvidae family, is a distinctive black bird known for its nasal call and striking all-black appearance. Predominantly found in the eastern and southeastern United States, this adaptable bird thrives in a variety of habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas. Whether scavenging on the ground or foraging in trees, the Fish Crow is a familiar sight and sound across its range.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Black

Secondary Colors

Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Black

Beak Type

Strong

Beak Color

Black

Leg Color

Black

Distinctive Markings

Entire body is black

Tail Description

Square or slightly rounded

Size Metrics

36cm to 40cm

Length

70cm to 84cm

Wingspan

195g to 330g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Distinctive caw, often in series

Call Description

Short, nasal caw or yelp

Alarm Calls

Rapid cawing

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging on ground or in trees

Social Habits

Forms large flocks, especially outside breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends nest site

Migratory Patterns

Some populations migrate short distances south in winter

Interaction with Other Species

Interacts with various bird species in shared habitats

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Fruits, Seeds, Carrion, Crabs

Feeding Habits

Forages on ground or in trees, sometimes scavenges

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Picks up food with beak

Diet Variations

Diet varies with season and availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

Trees or shrubs

Nest Construction

Stick nest lined with softer materials

Breeding Season

April to July

Egg Appearance

Pale Blue-green with brown markings

Egg Size

Approximately 3cm x 4cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-6 eggs

Incubation Period

Around 18 days

Fledgling Period

4-5 weeks

Parental Care

Female solely incubates, but both parents care for young

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Eastern and southeastern United States

Habitat Description

Variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas

Elevation Range

Lowland

Migration Patterns

Some populations migrate short distances south in winter

Biome

Forest, Wetlands, Urban

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact

Resident or Present

Canada, United States of America

Vagrant

The Bahamas

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

5

10

Average Lifespan

7 year(s)

Maturity Age

2 year(s)

Breeding Age

2-3 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year

Age-Related Changes

None known

Conservation Status

Current Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss, pollution

Conservation Efforts

Protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Population Trend

Population appears to be increasing

Classification

Other names:

Crow, American crow

Family:

Corvidae

Population size:

Unknown

Population trend:

Increasing

Conservation status:

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

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