Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Australian Raven is a large, glossy black bird with a robust build and a heavy, slightly curved bill. Its most distinctive feature is the hackles on its throat, which are elongated and often fluffed out during vocalisations. Adult birds' eyes are strikingly white, contrasting sharply with their black plumage.
Juveniles can be distinguished by their brown eyes, which gradually change to white as they mature. In bright sunlight, the bird's plumage has a slight purple, blue, or green sheen, adding depth to its otherwise all-black appearance.
Size
Length
46cm to 53cm
Wingspan
100cm to 112cm
Weight
580g to 680g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Australian Raven is widely distributed across southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It thrives in various habitats, from coastal areas and open woodlands to agricultural lands and urban environments. These adaptable birds are particularly common in suburban settings, where they exploit abundant food sources.
While primarily sedentary, some populations may undertake local movements in response to food availability or seasonal changes. Their range has expanded in recent decades, particularly in urban and agricultural areas where they benefit from human-modified landscapes.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Australian Raven. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Australian Raven demonstrates remarkable agility, engaging in aerial acrobatics and playful behaviour such as sliding down roofs. Their ability to navigate diverse environments, from urban areas to woodlands, further showcases their nimbleness.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large corvid with a robust build, the Australian Raven possesses considerable strength for its size. This is evident in its ability to manipulate objects for tool use and its capacity to handle a variety of food items, including small vertebrates.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Australian Raven excels in adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal areas to urban environments. Its opportunistic omnivorous diet, problem-solving skills, and successful colonisation of human-modified landscapes underscore its exceptional adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, Australian Ravens display assertive behaviour in defending their territories and food sources. Their success in urban environments suggests a level of boldness, but they are not known for unprovoked aggression towards humans or other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Australian Raven's ability to thrive across a wide elevation range (sea level to 2000 metres) and its success in various climates indicate strong endurance. Their capacity for local movements in response to food availability further demonstrates their stamina.
Diet
Australian Ravens are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They feed on insects, small vertebrates, eggs, carrion, and various plant matter, including seeds and fruits.
They've adapted to scavenge human food waste in urban areas, demonstrating their dietary flexibility and problem-solving skills in accessing new food sources.
Australian ravens have been observed attacking weak or sick lambs and other larger animals. Their powerful, heavy-set beak is ideal for picking and ripping at corpses.
Behaviour
Australian Ravens are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups. They exhibit complex problem-solving skills, using tools to extract food and demonstrate remarkable memory.
These birds are known for their playful behaviour. They engage in aerial acrobatics and even slide down roofs for apparent enjoyment.
Vocalisation
The Australian Raven's call is a distinctive, drawn-out 'aah-aah-aaaah' with a gargling quality, often described as a 'death rattle'. This vocalisation is longer and more complex than that of other Australian corvids.
During social interactions, the Australian Raven also produces a variety of softer croaks, warbles, and whistles.
Nesting & Breeding
Australian Ravens form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season typically occurs from July to September, with some regional variations. Courtship involves aerial displays and mutual preening.
Nests are large, bowl-shaped structures made of sticks and lined with softer materials like grass, bark, and wool. They are usually placed high in tall trees, often eucalypts. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which are pale green to bluish-green with brown and black markings.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 20 days. Nestlings are altricial and fledge after 40-45 days but continue to be fed by parents for several months after leaving the nest. Young birds may stay with their parents for up to two years, helping to raise subsequent broods.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Australian Raven is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and increasing population. However, like many urban-adapted species, it faces challenges from habitat modification and human-wildlife conflict.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting coexistence in urban areas.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but common throughout its range
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive, drawn-out 'aah-aah-aaaah' call, which differs from other Australian corvids
- Look for them in open woodlands, urban parks, and agricultural areas
- Observe their throat hackles, which are prominently displayed during vocalisations
- Watch for their intelligent foraging behaviour, often involving tool use
- In urban areas, they're frequently seen scavenging near picnic spots and rubbish bins
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Australian Ravens can mimic human speech and a wide range of other sounds in captivity.
- They have been observed using tools, such as twigs, to probe for insects in tree bark.
- These birds play an important role in ecosystem health by cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Corvus coronoides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22706033A94047450.
View source - 3
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source
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