Corvus coronoides

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Family

Corvidae

Genus

Corvus

Species

coronoides

Common Names

Australian Raven, Crow, Kelly, Raven

Distinguishing Features

Australian Ravens are black with white eyes in adults. The feathers on the throat (hackles) are longer than in other species, and a bird tends to extend these when calling. They are fairly large, at 52cm in size. The young are similar, with darker eyes of first blue-grey and then brown.

Survey Techniques

Calls and behaviour offer the best identification for this species.

Species Call

A slow territorial, rather high "ah-ah-ah-aaaah". It also gives high wailings.

Similar Species

Across Australia, different species of Ravens and Crows like very similar. The Little Raven (Corvus mellori ) is easily mistaken for the Australian Raven and calls are the best way to distinguish the species. In Canberra, the Australian Raven is the most likely to be seen.

Distribution

The Australian Raven is found in eastern, southern and central Australia.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

There has been a steady increase in numbers from 1985 (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. They are considered a pest in many agricultural regions and also in cities where they make noise and damage window fittings and cars.

LSCCES Population

The Australian Raven was found in high numbers right across the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment.

Associated vegetation community

The Australian Raven is found in all habitat types, excluding the arid deserts of WA and preferring open country, both natural and cleared.

Limiting Resources

The species depends upon readily available waste products for scavenging, easily found in the city or alongside roads with fast moving traffic. It also depends upon high trees for roosting.

Breeding

Ravens will breed from when they are three years of age. The breeding cycle for Australian Ravens is lengthy, taking from 20-30 weeks. Nest building usually begins in July and young are dependant until January. Their untidy nests are made of sticks, grasses, bark and feathers and constructed very high on a steep vertical tree fork. 4-5 large eggs a laid, each with a pale blue and brown spotted appearance. Both parents share the incubating and feeding responsibilities.

Behaviour

The species is usually seen in pairs; however flocks of up to 40 birds can be seen scavenging through the rubbish at Canberra's Mugga Lane tip.

Functional Group

Scavenger

Food Species

The species is mainly carnivorous; although it also scavenges around grocery stores and waste disposal areas both in the city and at landfill sites. The diet of suburban birds includes meat, insects, fruit and bread. Rural birds usually depend on road kills or grains from nearby farms.

Predators

Due to the strong body of this species, it is not in threat of predation and will instead feed on the young and eggs of other bird species.

Interesting Fact

The Australian Raven is the largest of the Corvidae family. The long, prominent feathers on its throat or neck make it easy to identify.