Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyCorvidae
HabitatCoastal areas, rivers, and lakes of the eastern US
SeasonResident along coasts and large inland waters of the Southeast
LocationLake Hartwell, South Carolina, Oconee County, South Carolina
Size14-16 inches
DietOmnivorous: carrion, eggs, crabs, fruit, and scraps
ConservationLeast Concern (IUCN)
CameraNikon Z9Lens400mmAperturef/8Shutter1/500ISO800
Fish Crow caught nasal-calling over the water at Lake Hartwell.
About the Fish Crow
The Fish Crow is the American Crow's slightly smaller waterside double, so similar in appearance that even experts identify it almost entirely by voice. Where the American Crow gives a clear caw, the Fish Crow offers a nasal, stuffed-up uh-uh, as if denying everything.
True to the name, Fish Crows work shorelines, rivers, and lakes, eating crabs, carrion, and anything else the water delivers. They are expanding inland and northward, following rivers deep into the continent.
This bird was photographed at Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, calling that unmistakable nasal call over the water.
Want to see a Fish Crow in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.
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