Somali Crow
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| Corvus edithae Lort Phillips, 1895 |
The Somali Crow or Dwarf Raven, Corvus edithae is approximately the size (44-46 cm in length) of the Carrion Crow, Corvus corone but with longer bill and somewhat more brownish cast to the feathers especially when worn.
This species occurs principally in the African countries of Somalia, northern Kenya, Djibouti and eastern Ethiopia in the region known as the Horn of Africa and can be distinguished from larger Brown-necked Raven C. ruficollis by its call (voice) and differences in its behaviour.
Though previously considered a subspecies of the larger C. ruficollis, it has recently been elevated to species status, rather like the Hooded Crow Corvus cornix from its near relative the Carrion Crow.
This species is now thought to be closer to the Pied Crow C. albus especially in its behaviour than to the Brown-necked Raven. Hybrid birds between the Pied Crow and the Somali Crow (Dwarf Raven) appear to reinforce this close relationship where the two species meet.
The nest is a raven-like bulky structure set in either a lone tree or on telegraph poles. It will nest on cliffs in coastal regions or areas where trees are unavailable. The 3-5 eggs are laid in April and early May though little further information is recorded on their subsequent development.
The voice is described as a harsh "caw" rather like the Rook, Corvus frugilegus of Eurasia.
