Stresemann's Bushcrow

Overview

Stresemann's bushcrow (Zavattariornis stresemanni), also known as the Ethiopian bushcrow or Abyssinian pie, is a starling-like member of the crow family, Corvidae. It is classified as Endangered due to its highly restricted range and vulnerability to climate change and habitat loss.

Identification

• Approximately 28 cm long with a pale grey body, glossy blue-black wings and tail, and a creamy-white throat and forehead.
• Features bright azure featherless skin around the eyes that can inflate to narrow the eye, and pink skin patches behind the eyes.
• Has a small, decurved black beak, black legs, and brown eyes.
• Vocalises with metallic 'kej' calls, nasal 'kerr kerr kerr' sounds in flight, and various foraging calls like 'how, how, how'.

Habitat

Endemic to central-southern Ethiopia, specifically within the towns of Yabelo, Borena, Mega, and Arero in Sidamo Province. It inhabits flat savannas with mature acacia and Commiphora thornbushes at altitudes between 1,300 and 1,800 metres. The species is confined to a very specific temperature range, making it absent from otherwise suitable habitats that are slightly warmer.

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects, including termites and Coeloptera moth larvae and adults, which it unearths by digging vigorously in the soil. It also feeds in trees by walking on branches or chasing flying insects on foot, and may inspect cattle dung for food. Often mixes with starlings, hornbills, and weavers while foraging.

Did you know?

This bird is one of the few warm-blooded animals whose survival is wholly dependent on a specific temperature 'bubble', making it extremely vulnerable to climate change. It was formerly unknown why the species was absent from seemingly identical nearby habitats, but this is now understood to be due to slight temperature differences.