New Caledonian Crow

New Caledonian Crow

Corvus moneduloides

Least Concern

Known for its remarkable problem-solving abilities and tool use, the New Caledonian crow is a fascinating species endemic to the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. This all-black bird, often spotted in family groups, is noted for its complex feeding behaviors that reveal a high level of intelligence and adaptability.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Black

Secondary Colors

Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Black

Beak Type

Long

Beak Color

Black

Leg Color

Dark Brown

Distinctive Markings

Plumage is entirely glossy black

Tail Description

Long and rounded

Size Metrics

40cm to 44cm

Length

80cm to 90cm

Wingspan

220g to 355g

Weight

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Varied, including 'caw' and 'squawk'

Call Description

A range of calls and noises, including mimicry of other birds

Alarm Calls

Harsh, loud caw

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging and using tools to find food

Social Habits

Social, often found in family groups

Territorial Behavior

Defends territory, especially during breeding season

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory

Interaction with Other Species

Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive in defense of territory

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Fruits

Feeding Habits

Forages on the ground and in trees, often using tools to extract insects

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Manual dexterity and tool use

Diet Variations

Diet varies with season and available food sources

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

Tall trees

Nest Construction

Stick nest in tree fork

Breeding Season

September to November

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One

Egg Appearance

Pale blue with brown and grey spots

Egg Size

3-4 cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-4 eggs

Incubation Period

20 days

Fledgling Period

45 days

Parental Care

Both parents care for chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Endemic to New Caledonia

Habitat Description

Forests and open country

Elevation Range

Sea level to mountain tops

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory

Biome

Tropical rainforest

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact

Resident or Present

New Caledonia

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

5

10

Average Lifespan

7 year(s)

Maturity Age

2 year(s)

Breeding Age

2 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Monogamous

Age-Related Changes

None known

Conservation Status

Current Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss due to deforestation

Conservation Efforts

Protected by law in New Caledonia

Population Trend

No reliable population trend information available, although thought to be stable

Classification

Other names:

Tool-using crow

Family:

Corvidae

Population size:

Unknown

Population trend:

Stable

Conservation status:

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

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