Grey Currawong

Overview

The grey currawong (Strepera versicolor) is a large passerine bird native to southern Australia and Tasmania. As one of three currawong species in the genus Strepera, it is closely related to butcherbirds and the Australian magpie.

Identification

• Large, crow-like bird averaging around 48 cm to 52 cm in length with a heavy bill.
• Generally dark plumage ranging from slate-grey to sooty black, featuring white patches on the undertail and wing.
• Yellow irises and black legs and feet.
• Loud, distinctive ringing or clinking call that varies in pitch and volume across subspecies.

Habitat

This species occupies a wide range of habitats, including wet and dry sclerophyll forests, mallee scrubland, pine plantations, and open areas near forests. Its range covers southern Australia, extending from the Central Coast of New South Wales westward through Victoria and South Australia to Western Australia, as well as Tasmania.

Diet

The grey currawong is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of berries, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. It is less arboreal than the pied currawong, spending more time foraging on the ground.

Did you know?

The Ramindjeri people of Encounter Bay called the black-winged currawong 'wati-eri', a name meaning 'to sneak' or 'to track'.