Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion
Conflict NMAC; Inflight Event / Encounter Object
General None Reported / Taken
I was the pilot flying as we departed runway 31 at LGA. After departure we were assigned a heading of 340. While established on the 340 assigned heading we were busy inside the airplane as we were retracting flaps; etc while flying the profile. As we climbed through approximately 2000' MSL I noticed something perceived to be large and dark colored outside the aircraft in my peripheral. I didn't get a good look at the object as I turned my focus toward it as it was in close proximity to us and we were accelerating towards 200 KIAS. The object passed directly overhead us within approximately 150' by my estimates. Due to the brief amount of time the object was visible I was unable to positively identify what it was. In my estimation it was neither a bird nor a balloon as its shape seemed to have defined edges and its color was dark; possibly black. The size of the object was comparable to that of a large bird. I asked the first officer if he had seen the object and he replied 'no' as he was heads down performing his duties. After further consideration and at a safe altitude and low workload; I reported a 'large; dark object approximately 2000' on the 340 degree heading' as to warn other departing aircraft of a potential hazard on climb out. I was careful not to label it a drone as I couldn't positively identify the object; but it wouldn't surprise me if that's what it was. I received a number for the TRACON and contacted them upon arrival in [our destination]. I subsequently talked to an FBI agent about the incident. While talking to each I emphasized I couldn't positively identify the object as a drone but that it was a possibility.
CRJ900 Captain departing LGA Runway 31 reports sighting an object; possibly a drone; at 2000 feet. The object passes about 150 feet above the CRJ but no evasive action is taken; though ATC is informed.