Crow Busters Forum

oscar · Newbie

fish crows

Dale · Senior Member

Oscar,

There are guys on here much more qualified than me to answer your question. But, I'll throw my 2 cents in on the subject.

The difference between a fish crow and common crow is two fold.

1: They are a tad smaller and their caww isn't that same as a common crow. In fact it is very distinct and very hard to describe with letters.

2: Now, the more important difference between the two is that they are hell to call in my experience. If you have blood pressure issues do not pursue the fish crow. They will respond to the call but when they do they come in large numbers. 30,50 or more in general. Their first pass by your setup will be their lowest and it will be at 40 yards if you are lucky and they just get higher and higher. If you can drop one on their first pass you can generaly get a couple more when their comrades come to the rescue. Oh and you better be hid very very well when dealing with them and very very still, as you will have a bunch of eyes looking you over.

Demi and Bob A. will be able to add a lot more wisdom.

Island Shooter · Guru

Oscar,

Welcome to the forum! I see you are from Tennessee. What part?

Fish crows range mostly along the coastal states from Texas around and up to Maine. They also range up the Mississippi River and, unless you live near Memphis, you probably won’t run acroas them in Tennessee (see map below).

The best way to tell them apart is by the differences in their voice...quite distinctive.

They typically travel in larger groups, fly higher and are A LOT more wary than common crows. Around here, they often roost in river marsh grass instead of in trees.

In short, they are a tough nut to crack! Be glad you are not faced with them while hunting as they can be a distraction and a waste of time if you are not big on long shots. Having said that, my best hunt ever netted 173 crows, and all but one were fish crows. We had their number that day!!! Here is the full story: https://crowbusters.activeboard.com/t64371840/my-fish-crow-fantasy-fulfilled/

Good Hunting,

Demi

-- Edited by Island Shooter on Saturday 9th of February 2019 02:32:42 AM

Dale · Senior Member

I have never seen a map of their range like that Demi, thanks for posting.

Island Shooter · Guru

Dale wrote:
I have never seen a map of their range like that Demi, thanks for posting.

Dale,

In addition to being a crow/dove/pigeon/quail/etc. hunter, I am a bird watcher. Try the Merlin Bird ID app. It is really good. Also has bird sounds (including fish crows).

Demi