Commonly observed along the Missouri River, especially during the warmer months, a small flock of fish crows flew over our yard in Columbia late this afternoon. They were the first I have ever observed within the city limits.
Most abundant along coastal areas of the Southeastern U.S., fish crows have been expanding their range over the past decade or so, spreading inland along the major rivers. There they forage across floodplains and nearby farmlands but seldom stray far from the streams, their marshes and their riparian woodlands.
Distinguished from American crows by their smaller size and distinctive "uh-uh" calls, it was their voice that caught my attention this afternoon. Since we have owned a condo on Longboat Key, Florida, for many years, I associate their calls with that coastal location; apparently, we now own two properties within their range.
