Fan-tailed Raven

Overview

The Corvus rhipidurus is a passerine bird belonging to the crow family, native to Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the smaller raven species and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Completely black plumage with a purplish-blue gloss in good light, turning slightly coppery-brown when worn.
• Approximately 47–51 cm in length, similar in size to a carrion crow but possessing a much thicker bill and larger wings.
• Bill, legs, and feet are entirely black.
• Vocalisations consist of guttural croaks mixed with sounds resembling a frog-call.

Habitat

Found in the Middle East, North Africa, Arabia, and extending south to Sudan and Kenya, including the Aïr Massif in the southern Sahara. The species inhabits desert or open dry country that provides crags for nesting.

Diet

Forages on the ground for insects, invertebrates, grain from animal dung, carrion, human food scraps, and fruits. It is also known to pick skin parasites from camels and scavenge around rubbish dumps when not persecuted.

Did you know?

The bird is highly aerial and travels huge distances in search of food, using its large wings to glide on thermals in a manner described as vulture-like.