Australian Raven

Australian Raven
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Corvus Species: coronoides
Binomial name
Corvus coronoides

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 lovely 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 54 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 gingered wingtips. It 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.

Food is carrion, insects, seeds, fruit, small reptiles, nestlings and eggs. Food is taken mainly from the ground but will feed in trees also.

Nest: Always nests 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 four about four months after that.

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.

Image link

• Australian Raven (http://www.birdphotos.com.au/australianravenweb/index.htm)