Cape Crow

Overview

The Cape crow, or black crow, is a large bird measuring 48–50 cm in length and is slightly bigger than the carrion crow. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and thrives particularly in agricultural environments across Africa.

Identification

• Completely black plumage with a slight purple gloss and coppery-purple sheen on the head.
• Proportionately longer legs, wings, and tail than related species, with a notably long, slim bill.
• Long throat feathers that are fluffed out during calls and displays.
• Calls range from a drawn-out 'krrah' to quicker 'kah-kah-kah' notes, loud liquid bubbling sounds, and throaty chuckles.

Habitat

Found in two separate regions of the African continent: one from the Cape to southern Angola and Mozambique, and another in central East Africa including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. It inhabits open grassland, moorland, and agricultural areas with some trees or nearby woodland for nesting.

Diet

Feeds on grain, seeds, invertebrates dug for with its bill, open maize kernels, bulbs, fruits, and frogs or small reptiles. It also consumes eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds, kills domestic poultry, and turns over herbivore droppings to find insects.

Did you know?

The Cape crow may practice vocal mimicry. It is also known to kill birds up to a pound in weight, particularly domestic poultry.