Telling the difference between a fish crow and an American crow can be tricky for birders. While the two species look very similar, there are some key identification features to look for. In this article, we will go over the field marks, calls, habitat, range, and behaviors that set these two crows apart.
Quick Identification Tips
Here are some quick tips for distinguishing a fish crow from an American crow:
- Size – Fish crows are smaller with a more slender bill and shorter tail.
- Calls – Fish crows give a nasal “caah-caah-caah” while American crows give a deeper “caw caw”.
- Range – Fish crows are found mostly along the southeast Atlantic and Gulf coasts while American crows are widespread.
- Coastal – Fish crows stick closer to coastlines and waterways.
- Flight – Fish crows have quicker,更短的翅膀拍打,更为轻快 in flight compared to the slower, full wingbeats of an American crow.
Field Marks and Physical Features
Looking closely at the physical features and field marks is the best way to identify a fish crow. Here are the key differences to look for:
- Size – Fish crows measure 16-19 inches long with a wingspan of around 32-38 inches. They are noticeably more petite than American crows.
- Bill – The bill of a fish crow is smaller and slimmer than an American crow’s thicker bill.
- Legs and feet – Fish crows have proportionally longer legs and smaller feet than American crows.
- Wings – The wings of a fish crow appear short and rounded compared to the longer, more wedge-shaped wings of an American crow.
- Tail – A fish crow’s tail is shorter than an American crow’s.
- Head – Fish crows have a flatter crown that slopes gradually down to the bill.
Plumage Differences
The plumage or feather patterns are very similar between the two species. However, there are some subtle differences:
- Fish crows tend to have a blue-black sheen to their feathers while American crows look blacker.
- Fish crows have a dark grey collar across the upper breast while American crows have more solid black throats.
- The undertail coverts or feathers under the tail tend to be slate grey on fish crows and black on American crows.
Vocalizations
The calls of fish crows and American crows sound distinct once you learn to recognize them. Here’s what to listen for:
Fish Crow Call
- Nasal, high-pitched “caah caah caah”
- Raspy, fast-paced, and sometimes descending in pitch
- Often give short series of 2-4 “caahs”
American Crow Call
- Harsher, lower-pitched “caw caw”
- Drawn out and slower in pace than the fish crow call
- Give single caws or series in sets of 2-5 caws
Habitat Preferences
Fish crows and American crows frequent different habitats. Understanding where each species lives can make identification easier.
Fish Crow Habitats
- Coastlines
- Marshes and wetlands
- Lake edges
- River mouths and flooded fields
- Woodland swamps
American Crow Habitats
- Open fields
- Agricultural areas
- Pastures
- Forests
- Parks
- Urban and suburban neighborhoods
Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|
Coastlines | Open fields |
Marshes and wetlands | Agricultural areas |
Lake edges | Pastures |
River mouths | Forests |
Flooded fields | Parks |
Woodland swamps | Urban and suburban neighborhoods |
Range and Distribution
Fish crows and American crows have distinct ranges in North America. Fish crows are restricted to coastal areas of the southeastern U.S. while American crows are found across the continent.
Fish Crow Range
- Atlantic coast from Connecticut to Florida
- Gulf coast from Florida to Texas
- Up Mississippi River to southern Illinois
American Crow Range
- Across continental U.S. into southern Canada
- Pacific coast
- From Canada south to Baja Mexico and Gulf of Mexico
Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|
Atlantic coast from Connecticut to Florida | Across continental U.S. into southern Canada |
Gulf coast from Florida to Texas | Pacific coast |
Up Mississippi River to southern Illinois | From Canada south to Baja Mexico and Gulf of Mexico |
Behavioral Differences
Fish crows and American crows behave somewhat differently, reflecting their coastal vs. inland lifestyles.
Fish Crow Behavior
- Soar low over coastlines
- Forage in intertidal zones
- Fly quickly with shallow wingbeats
- Perch in waterside trees
American Crow Behavior
- Soar high over open areas
- Forage in fields and lawns
- Steady, level flight style
- Perch on wires and fence posts
Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|
Soar low over coastlines | Soar high over open areas |
Forage in intertidal zones | Forage in fields and lawns |
Fly quickly with shallow wingbeats | Steady, level flight style |
Perch in waterside trees | Perch on wires and fence posts |
Nesting Habits
The nest sites and structures of fish crows and American crows also differ.
Fish Crow Nests
- Cavities in dead trees near water
- Nests are 20-60 feet up
- Line nests with mud, grass, hair
- Lay 3-6 eggs
American Crow Nests
- High tree branches
- Nests 30-70 feet up
- Thick nests of sticks and twigs
- Lay 4-6 eggs
Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|
Cavities in dead trees near water | High tree branches |
Nests 20-60 feet up | Nests 30-70 feet up |
Line nests with mud, grass, hair | Thick nests of sticks and twigs |
Lay 3-6 eggs | Lay 4-6 eggs |
Conclusion
Telling a fish crow apart from an American crow is easiest with good views and by noting a combination of size, shape, vocalizations, habitat, and behavior. With some practice, birders can confidently differentiate these two often confusing species. Focus on subtle differences in bill and body proportions, wing shape, tail length, feather patterns, and flight style. Habitat is also a good clue, as fish crows stay near water while American crows frequent more diverse areas. Being familiar with the distinct nasal “caah” of a fish crow versus the deep “caw” of an American crow helps confirm the identification.