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ExploreBirds

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

Fish Crows are clever birds that love to eat fish and other tasty treats. They have a shiny black color and a unique call that sounds like a croak. You can often find them near water, where they search for food.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Fish Crow is a sleek, entirely black bird with glossy plumage, dark eyes, and a slightly slender bill. It closely resembles the American Crow but is generally smaller. Its feathers often show a subtle purple-blue sheen in direct sunlight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusCorvus

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

4

Interesting facts

Fish Crows often gather in huge groups to roost for the night.

Some Fish Crows have been seen using bread crumbs as bait to catch fish!

Their distinct 'uh-uh' call sounds like they have a stuffy nose!

They can recognize and remember individual human faces!

Special abilities

Ability

Vocal Mimic

Fish Crows can imitate calls of other birds, and even human speech, which helps them communicate and possibly avoid predators.

Ability

Shell Smasher

Fish Crows can drop hard-shelled foods, like clams or crabs, onto hard surfaces to break them open for a meal.

Ability

Water Forager

Fish Crows are excellent at finding and catching food in aquatic environments because of their keen eyesight and agility.

Measurements & details

Length
36-41 cm
Wingspan
69-76 cm
Weight
0.19-0.33 kg
Lifespan
7-14 years
Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
16-19 days

Diet & Feeding

These clever birds are omnivores, eating fish, insects, eggs, berries, and anything else they can find!

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Insects
  • Bird eggs
  • Berries
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch Fish Crows from a distance and don't feed them, as they can become too friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Fish Crow?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Fish Crow?

36-41 cm

What is Fish Crow's wingspan?

69-76 cm

How much does Fish Crow weigh?

0.19-0.33 kg

How long does Fish Crow live?

7-14 years

How fast can Fish Crow move?

70 km/h

What does Fish Crow eat?

These clever birds are omnivores, eating fish, insects, eggs, berries, and anything else they can find!

Where is Fish Crow usually found?

Coastal areas

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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"park", "waterfront", "cherry Blossoms", "golf", "tennis", "cycling", "running", "picnic", "birdwatching", "family Friendly", "wheelchair Accessible", "historic"

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Architectural Photography and Architecture

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McKee Botanical Garden place preview
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The Green place preview
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Delaware, US

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Historic Park, Wildlife Friendly, Family Friendly, Photography, Birdwatching, Colonial History, Outdoor Recreation, Accessible.

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