Crows are a common sight across much of North America, but while the familiar American crow is found almost everywhere, the fish crow is limited to the southeastern states. Telling them apart can be tricky for casual birdwatchers, but there are some key differences in appearance, voice, habitat, and behavior.
Identification
At a glance, fish crows and American crows look nearly identical. They are both all black, have thick bills and legs, and are about the same size, with fish crows perhaps just slightly smaller on average. However, close observation reveals some subtle distinguishing features:
Size
Fish crows measure around 17-21 inches in length with a wingspan of 33-39 inches. American crows are larger at 17-25 inches long with a wingspan of 36-44 inches.
Bill Size
The bill of a fish crow is slimmer and proportionately smaller than that of an American crow.
Head Shape
Viewed from the side profile, the head of a fish crow appears rounded while the American crow’s forehead has an angled appearance.
Feathers
Fish crows usually have feathers that look smooth and sleek compared to the shaggier, looser feathers of American crows.
Legs
Legs are slimmer and more delicate on a fish crow versus the thicker legs of an American crow.
Feature | Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|---|
Length | 17-21 inches | 17-25 inches |
Wingspan | 33-39 inches | 36-44 inches |
Bill Size | Slim | Thick |
Head Shape | Rounded | Angled Forehead |
Feathers | Smooth, sleek | Shaggy, loose |
Legs | Slim, delicate | Thick |
Voice
The voice is often the easiest way to identify a fish crow. Where the familiar “caw caw” of an American crow is loud and grating, the call of a fish crow is nasal, flat, and unmusical. It sounds more like a quick “uh-uh” or “ow ow.” Fish crows also make a variety of other sounds like throaty rattles and high-pitched caws.
Range
The American crow is one of America’s most widespread birds, living everywhere except the far northern boreal forests, southwestern deserts, and Florida Keys. The fish crow has a much more limited range confined to the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Virginia and nowhere farther north or west than Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Range map created by BirdWatchingDaily.com
Habitat
Fish crows stick close to coasts, rivers, swamps, and lakes. Unlike American crows, they avoid dry open country. Wetlands with lots of trees for roosting are ideal fish crow habitat.
Diet
Both species are omnivorous generalists, consuming anything edible they can get their beaks on. However, fish crows feast on more aquatic fare like mollusks, fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Activity around water gives the fish crow its name.
American Crow Foods:
- Insects
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Small animals
- Carrion
- Garbage
- Grain
Fish Crow Foods:
- Insects
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Fish
- Frogs
- Worms
- Carrion
- Eggs
- Grain
Flocking Behavior
American crows often feed and roost in large noisy flocks numbering hundreds or thousands. Fish crows form much smaller flocks, usually fewer than 100 birds.
Nesting
American crows build their large, messy nests high up in trees. Fish crows nest low to the ground in swamps, mangroves, palm trees, or on the ground. Breeding season starts earlier for fish crows too, from March to May compared to April to July for American crows.
Conservation Status
The common American crow is abundant and classified as a species of Least Concern. Fish crow numbers have declined due to habitat loss, particularly the draining of swamps. Their status is Near Threatened.
Summary of Differences
Trait | Fish Crow | American Crow |
---|---|---|
Size | Smaller | Larger |
Voice | Nasal and flat “uh-uh” or “ow ow” | Harsh, grating “caw” |
Range | Southeastern U.S. coast | Widespread except deserts and boreal forests |
Habitat | Coastal wetlands | Varied, including urban areas |
Diet | Aquatic foods like fish and mollusks | Omnivorous |
Flocking | Small flocks under 100 | Large flocks up to thousands |
Nesting | Low in swamps and on ground | High up in trees |
Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Conclusion
Telling a fish crow apart from its ubiquitous American cousin can be tricky. But paying attention to small differences in vocalizations, beak shape, flocking behavior, and preferred habitat near water can help identify the less common fish crow. Learning to recognize these southeastern coastal crows takes practice, but with a little sleuthing, birdwatchers can add this unique corvid to their life list.