Very similar in appearance to the more common American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), the fish crow is slightly smaller, has a proportionately longer tail, smaller head and bill and stiffer wingbeats than the American crow. Although they are all black in colour, fish crows have a glossier appearance than American crows and are best distinguished from the American crow by the distinctive voice. Notes most often heard from fish crows include a nasally ca-hah, or car.