Torresian Crow

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

The Torresian Crow (Corvus orru), also occasionally called the Australian Crow, is about the same size as the Eurasian Carrion Crow but with a more robust bill and slightly longer legs. It has the typical white iris of the other Australasian Corvus species but can be distinguished from most (except the Little Crow) by the base of the head and neck feathers being snow white (revealed when blown by a strong wind). It also shuffles its wings after alighting.

Length: Average, 50cm.

Range: It occupies the tropical North of Australia as far south as Brisbane on the east coast where the species seems to be adjusting well to a city life.

Adaptable and intelligent like its North American, European, African and Asian relatives, it has learned how to kill and eat the introduced poisonous Cane toad without ingesting the poison by flipping them onto their backs and delivering a lethal blow with its powerful bill. It seems to recognize the significance of anyone carrying a gun and quickly makes itself conspicuous by its absence.

Food: A typical crow in that it will take just about anything. It has been seen taking stranded fish on the seashore, carrion, human food scraps, fruit and insects.

Nest: Two to four eggs in large stick nest high in a tree.

Voice: Quite different from the Australian raven. A nasal uk-uk-uk-uk-uk or sometimes an ok-ok-ok-ok.

Image link

• Torresian Crow (http://www.birdphotos.com.au/australiancrowweb/index.htm)