Australian Raven
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| iAustralian Raven | ||||||||||||||
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| Corvus coronoides Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 |
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The Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) is the largest member of the genus Corvus in Australia. It is a more slender bird than the Common Raven of the Northern Hemisphere but is otherwise similar. Like the other Corvus members in Australia and some species from the islands to the north, it has a white iris distinguished in this species by having a light blue ring around the pupil. The totally black feathers have a blue or bluish-purple gloss in bright light. The area under the bill near the throat is usually naked unlike any other species. Like virtually all members of the genus Corvus, its flight is strong and purposeful. It shows the same intelligence and resourcefulness as the rest of the genus.
At 48 to 56 cm in length, it is only marginally larger than the 48 to 50 cm Little Raven, and is best distinguished from it by a higher-pitched call and more deeply fingered wingtips.
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[edit] Distribution and habitat
The Australian Raven is common throughout eastern Australia and southern Western Australia (the populations being connected by a narrow strip across the Nullarbor Plain) but not found in the far north. It has adapted very well to human habitation in some cities and is a common bird in urban Sydney.
[edit] Behaviour
[edit] Diet
Food consists of carrion, insects, seeds, fruit, small reptiles, nestlings and eggs. The preference ratio is 34% carrion, 42% invertebrates and 24% plant material. Food is taken mainly from the ground but will occasionally feed in trees. Ravens have adapted well to eating rubbish and scraps in urban areas, such as school playgrounds.
[edit] Nesting
Ravens always nest in tall trees, never near to the ground as some species do. Eggs, 5-7 incubated over 20 days. Fledged by 45 days and staying with parents for about four months after that.
[edit] Voice
A mournful "aaaar aaaar aaaar" dying away towards the end often into a gargling. The long throat feathers hang down in a very distinctive way when it is calling.
General Shape: Dove Like.
[edit] Sound link
[edit] Video links
- Australian Raven videos on the Internet Bird Collection
[edit] Photo image links
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Corvus coronoides. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 05 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
