White-winged Chough

Overview

The white-winged chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos) is a large, black bird native to southern and eastern Australia, notable as one of only two surviving species in the mud-nest builder family, Corcoracidae. Although its dark plumage and downturned bill resemble European choughs, this resemblance is the result of convergent evolution, as it is only distantly related to those species.

Identification

• Large black bird, approximately 45 cm long, with red eyes that swell and brighten when the bird is excited.
• Features a finer, slightly down-curved beak and prominent white patches in the wings visible in flight.
• Vocalisations consist of a grating alarm call and a distinctive descending piping call that is diagnostic in the wild.
• Often mistaken for crows or ravens due to its overall shape and colour, but lacks the strong, agile flight of European choughs.

Habitat

Native to southern and eastern Australia, the species spends the great majority of its time on the ground within its large territory. It moves through its range in loose family groups, foraging methodically through leaf litter and taking to the air only when disturbed.

Diet

Forages on the ground for worms, insects, grain, and snails, as well as termites and beetles found in litter and rotten wood. It consumes seeds from various grasses, native plants, and introduced species, and will readily approach tourist sites to find supplementary food.

Did you know?

Choughs are so dedicated to communal raising of young that they will kidnap fledglings from neighbouring family groups to recruit helpers for their own chicks the following year.