Grey Crow

Overview

The grey crow, Corvus tristis, formerly known as the bare-faced crow, is a bird roughly the same size as the Eurasian carrion crow but with distinct physical differences. It is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults are primarily black with randomly bleached wing and tail feathers and possess a large bare area of pinkish-white skin around bluish-white eyes.
• The bill is highly variable, ranging from bluish upper and pinkish-white lower mandibles to entirely pinkish-white with a dark tip, while nasal bristles are notably reduced.
• Juveniles display remarkably pale plumage, often appearing light brown to cream with fawn wings and tail.
• The voice consists of a weak 'ka' or whining 'caw', sometimes accompanied by hoarse notes when the bird is excited.

Habitat

This species is found throughout the island of New Guinea and its associated offshore islands. It inhabits both primary and secondary forests across lowland and hill environments up to an elevation of 1,350 m.

Diet

The grey crow forages both on the ground and in trees, consuming a wide variety of food items. Fruit constitutes a large percentage of its intake, though it also preys on small animals such as frogs and aquatic insect larvae found in shallow river water.

Did you know?

When foraging through trees, the birds maintain loose but noisy contact with one another, typically travelling in groups of four to eight individuals.