When you start to see crows in Florida, determining which birds are which is a great starting point.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of crows found in Florida, their habitats, behaviors, and what sets them apart from other blackbirds. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or simply curious about these clever corvids, this article will help you identify and appreciate Florida’s crow species.
Crows in Florida
The Sunshine State is home to two different crow species: the American Crow and the Fish Crow.
American Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Size: 16 to 21 inches in height
- Weight: 11 to 22 ounces
- Wingspan: 33 to 39 inches
- Nesting season: March to June, with pairs building nests in tall trees and both parents participating in raising the young
The American Crow is one of the most common and widespread crow species in Florida. These highly intelligent birds are known for their adaptability and complex vocalizations. Found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, farmlands, and urban areas, American Crows thrive in both natural and human-altered environments.
American Crows are social birds, often seen in family groups or larger flocks, especially outside the breeding season. They have an all-black plumage, a sturdy build, and a loud, distinctive “caw” call that is often heard echoing through Florida’s landscapes. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small animals, fruits, grains, and scavenged carrion, making them essential for maintaining ecological balance.
American Crows are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills, often using tools and working together to find food. They are also capable of recognizing human faces and remembering individuals who may pose a threat.
Although American Crows are abundant in Florida, they sometimes face challenges such as habitat loss and conflicts with humans due to their scavenging habits. However, their adaptability ensures they remain a common sight across the state.
Fish Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus ossifragus
- Size: 14 to 16 inches in length
- Weight: 7 to 12 ounces
- Wingspan: 32 to 34 inches
- Nesting season: March to June, with nests typically built in trees near water, using sticks and other plant materials
The Fish Crow is a smaller, coastal relative of the American Crow, commonly found in Florida. While similar in appearance to its larger cousin, the Fish Crow has a distinct, nasal-like call that sets it apart. This species thrives in wetland habitats, coastal regions, and near rivers and lakes, where it scavenges for food and preys on small aquatic creatures.
Fish Crows are highly adaptable and intelligent, often forming flocks and using problem-solving skills to find food. Their diet includes fish, crustaceans, insects, fruits, and even garbage in urban areas. Though they are most commonly seen along shorelines and waterways, they can also be found in urban and suburban settings, particularly where food is abundant.
Fish Crows are known for their social behavior and vocal communication, often engaging in loud, nasally calls to interact with other crows. Their populations are thriving in Florida due to their adaptability and varied diet.
Despite their similarities to American Crows, the Fish Crow is easily distinguished by its shorter legs, slightly smaller size, and unique call.
American Crow vs Fish Crow
At first glance, these birds look very similar. While the American crow is larger than the fish crow, that factoid might not be useful unless the birds are standing near each other or you get more confident with your ID skills. The features below can help you distinguish between the two:
| American crow | Fish Crow |
| Larger | Smaller |
| Caw-Caw sound | Uh-oh sound |
| Widespread across most Florida habitats | Common in coastal or riverine settings |
| Eats almost anything, including carrion | Eats fish, crustaceans, and human leftovers |
Lookalikes
As I got into birdwatching, crows and their lookalikes were some of the first birds I learned to parse from each other. I quickly learned there are a couple of bird species that look similar to each other. Below I break down some of the questions I had to sort through:
Do Ravens Live in Florida?
Yes and no. As a rule, ravens generally don’t live in Florida. But nothing is impossible.
According to current range maps, ravens don’t live in Florida. Birders in the Sunshine State can breathe a sigh of relief because this eliminates the possibility of misidentifying an American crow as a raven.
Of course, wild animals can choose to move wherever they want to. As we’ve seen with some other species, changing weather patterns could mean ravens move into the state of Florida at some point. It’s worth noting that some ravens have been observed within the state. However, the observed numbers in a recent study were so low (a handful of birds) that it’s possible these birds were misidentified in the study. Even if this handful of birds was correctly identified, it’s unlikely you’ll come across one.
Fish Crow vs. Boat-Tailed Grackle
At first glance, boat-tailed grackles can look similar to fish crows. Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Fish Crow: Smaller and stockier than the American Crow, Fish Crows have a shorter bill and legs compared to grackles. Their wings are broad, and their tails are squared-off rather than long and tapered. Fully black with a slight gloss to their feathers, but lacking any dramatic iridescence.
- Boat-tailed Grackle: Significantly longer and leaner, Boat-tailed Grackles have very long tails that often appear keel-shaped when in flight. They have a slimmer build with a longer, pointed bill. Males have iridescent blue-black plumage, which can shimmer with shades of purple and green in the sunlight. Females, on the other hand, are brown with a lighter underbelly and a smaller tail.
If you see a bird with an iridescent sheen and a long tail, it’s a Boat-tailed Grackle. If you hear a nasal “uh-uh” call and the bird has a shorter tail, it’s a Fish Crow.
Where to Find Crows in Florida
Crows are highly adaptable birds found in a variety of habitats across Florida, from dense forests to bustling urban centers. I’ve personally seen crows in almost every corner of the state. If you want to see a wider range of birds, including crows, a trip to the coast usually doesn’t disappoint.