Somali crow

Somali crow
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Corvidae
Genus:	Corvus
Species:	C. edithae
Binomial name
Corvus edithae Lort Phillips, 1895
Distribution map

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 Somalia, Djibouti, the Ogaden and the Northern Frontier District in the Horn of Africa, and can be distinguished from larger brown-necked raven C. ruficollis by its call (voice) and differences in its behaviour.

It was formerly considered a subspecies of the larger C. ruficollis, but is now considered to be a distinct species.

This bird is thought to be closer to the pied crow C. albus by some authorities, 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.

References