- Corvus ossifragus
Identification
L. 15 in Entirely black plumage with squared-off tail.
Visual differentiation from the American crow is extremely difficult and often innacurrate. Nonetheless, differences apart from size do exist. Fish crows tend to have more slender bills and feet. There may also be a small sharp hook at the end of the upper bill.
Fish crows also appear as if they have shorter legs when walking. More dramatically, when calling, fish crows tend to hunch and fluff their throat feathers
Distribution
This species occurs on the eastern seaboard of the United States from the state of Rhode Island south to the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico
Taxonomy
The latest genetic testing now seems to indicate that this species is close to both the Sinaloan Crow, (Corvus sinaloae) and the Tamaulipas Crow, (Corvus imparatus) and not as close to the American Crow, (Corvus brachyrhynchos) as outward signs would suggest.
Habitat
Follows many river systems inland for quite some distance. Coastal marshes and beaches are frequented, also rivers, inland lakes and marshes, river banks, and the land immediately surrounding all.
Behaviour
Fish Crows forage in almost all habitats and eat everything from garbage to small animals, seeds, and fruits. Nest in trees most of the time and are quiet and hard to find during the breeding season.
Voice
Has a more nasal call than American Crow
