Species · GBIF taxon 2482481
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragusFish Crows are highly social, opportunistic corvids best distinguished from their nearly identical American Crow cousins by their nasal, buzzy calls. They patrol coastal marshes, riverbanks, and bustling parking lots in search of easy meals, often working in small, communicative flocks. During the breeding season, pairs build sturdy stick nests high in pines or deciduous trees near water, fiercely defending their territory from intruders.
VocalCoastalIntelligent
Licensed referenceRhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous
- family
- Corvidae
- threats
- Coastal development, water pollution, West Nile virus
- life Span
- 10 to 14 years
LC
Capable of a sharp pinch or scratch if cornered; observe these intelligent birds from a safe distance.
- Listen for the Call: Identify them by their distinct, nasal double-note call, which sounds like a flat, buzzy 'uh-uh'.
- Watch the Shoreline: Look for them flipping over beach debris or wading in shallow water to catch small crabs.
- Keep Distance at Nests: Avoid lingering near active nest trees to prevent stressful mobbing behavior.