Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Pipeline Overlook
Common Name: Crow specifically a Fish Crow
Scientific Name: Corvus ossifragus
Length: 14.2-15.8 in (36-40 cm)
Weight: 6.9-11.6 oz (195-330 g)
Wingspan: 33.1 in (84 cm)

Quick Facts (Courtesy of The Cornell Lab)

• Not everyone realizes it, but there are two kinds of crows across much of the eastern United States. Looking almost identical to the ubiquitous American Crow, Fish Crows are tough to identify until you learn their nasal calls.
• When Fish Crows find a good source of food, they may cache the surplus for later. These hiding places can be in grass, in clumps of Spanish moss, or in crevices in tree bark. Nesting adults may use these caches when feeding their young.
• Fish Crows are inveterate nest-robbers, raiding the nests of many kinds of waterbirds and songbirds, as well as finding and digging up the eggs of turtles. They also harass and steal food from crows, gulls, ibis, and Ospreys.
• Members of a mated pair frequently preen the back of each other’s head.
• One nesting pair of Fish Crows adopted a fledgling Blue Jay that appeared in their nest. The crows fed the jay for two weeks before it disappeared.
• Fish Crows build a new nest for each breeding attempt. The nests are well-made, and one small area may have existing nests from up to four different years.
• The oldest known Fish Crow was 14 years, 6 months old.

Stanley at Richmond SPCA

Howdy folks, my name is Stanley! I’m a cool cat with a loving demeanor. I’m looking for a home to match. Could it be with you?! If you think we could be the purrfect pair, call the Richmond SPCA adoption center to schedule a time to meet me!

Age: 3 years,
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Grey
Declawed: No
ID: 45129109

Adopt Stanley at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.

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