fish crow

1. Bird Name: The English name of the bird is the Fish Crow. Its scientific name is Corvus ossifragus.

2. Appearance: The Fish Crow is an all black bird, similar in appearance to the American Crow, but slightly smaller. Its plumage, beak, eyes, and legs are black, lacking any particular markings. Their eyes are a darker brown and blend with their overall dark color. The feathers are shiny and possess an iridescent sheen that can reflect various colors under different sunlight conditions. The shape of their beak is described as stout and pointed, while the eyes are round and black. The appearance does not different notably between males and females.

3. Size: The Fish Crow’s average length is around 38-42 centimeters (15-16.5 inches). It has a wingspan of about 80-95 centimeters (36-42 inches), while its weight ranges from 250 to 400 grams (8.8 to 14.11 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution:
These birds are found primarily in the United States, particularly along the east coast and across the southeastern states. The Fish Crow prefers coastal plain habitats, but can also be found in upland forests and suburban areas. They are even seen near towns and cities.

5. Datos de interés:
5.1. The Fish Crow’s most unique behavior may be its ability to mimic the sounds and behaviors of other birds.
5.2. As part of their diet, Fish Crows have been known to eat eggs and chicks of other bird species.
5.3. Unlike some other crow species, fish crows frequently make tactical use of body-blocking and distraction techniques to pilfer food from other birds or animals.

6. Diet: The Fish Crow, as suggested by its name, primarily feasts on aquatic animals such as fish and crabs. However, it is opportunistic and versatile in its diet—consuming insects, fruits, garbage and occasionally eggs and young of other birds.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Fish Crows can be solitary or live in small family groups. They are less territorial than other crows. The calls of a Fish Crow are notably different from other crows—sounding more like a nasal “uh-uh.” This bird species’ unique sound is part of the reason ornithologists recognized it as a species distinct from the American Crow.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Fish Crow is listed as least concern. It has made some expansion in its range as it adapts to urban and suburban areas.

9. Lifespan: The Fish Crow can live to be up to 14 years old in the wild. Unfortunately, data for lifespan in captivity is not well documented.

10. Notas adicionales:
Fish crows can often be seen gathering in communal roosts, especially during the winter. They form part of the wider corvid family, known for their intelligence.
In ecosystems, they serve as an essential scavenger, cleaning up animal carcasses. They are also key in seed dispersal, further aiding plant propagation.
Fish Crows do not typically pose any threat to humans, however, during nesting they can exhibit defensive behaviors if they feel their nest is threatened. They generally maintain a beneficial role in ecosystems, controlling populations of certain insects and other pests.
Their local names in other languages often reflect their unique call or affinity for water, such as “wasserkrähe” (water crow) in German.