New Caledonian Crow
Corvus moneduloides
Visual Identification
Appearance
The New Caledonian Crow is a medium-sized corvid with predominantly black plumage. Its feathers have a glossy sheen, with subtle brown undertones visible in bright light. The bird has a robust, slightly curved black beak and strong black legs.
Both males and females share similar appearances, with no significant sexual dimorphism. Juveniles may appear slightly duller than adults, with less glossy feathers and a pinkish base to their beak that darkens with age.
Size
Length
40cm to 45cm
Wingspan
75cm to 85cm
Weight
280g to 330g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The New Caledonian Crow is endemic to New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific. It inhabits a variety of forested environments, including tropical rainforests, dry forests, and savanna woodlands across the main island, Grande Terre.
These crows are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories. They are most abundant in undisturbed native forests but can also be found in areas with some human presence, particularly where Pandanus trees are prevalent.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a New Caledonian Crow. 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 New Caledonian Crow demonstrates remarkable agility, both in flight and whilst manipulating tools. Their ability to perform aerial acrobatics, including barrel rolls and loops, coupled with their dexterity in crafting and using tools, indicates a high level of agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a medium-sized corvid, the New Caledonian Crow possesses moderate strength. Their robust beak and ability to manipulate objects suggest decent strength, but they are not particularly known for feats requiring exceptional physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These crows exhibit extraordinary adaptability, particularly in their cognitive abilities. Their renowned tool-making skills, complex problem-solving capabilities, and ability to learn and remember human faces demonstrate an exceptionally high level of adaptability to various challenges.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While New Caledonian Crows can be territorial and protective of their nests, they are not notably aggressive compared to other bird species. Their tendency to work in pairs or small family groups suggests a more cooperative nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The New Caledonian Crow's ability to maintain year-round territories and engage in complex foraging behaviours indicates good endurance. However, as a non-migratory species, they may not have developed the extreme endurance seen in long-distance migrators.
Diet
New Caledonian Crows are omnivorous, with a diet consisting of insects, larvae, small vertebrates, and fruit. They are particularly skilled at extracting grubs from dead wood using self-made tools.
These crows have been observed creating hooks from twigs to fish out insects from tree crevices, showcasing their innovative foraging techniques.
Behaviour
New Caledonian Crows are renowned for their exceptional tool-making and tool-using abilities, crafting and modifying sticks to extract insects from tree crevices.
They exhibit complex problem-solving skills, often working in pairs or small family groups. These crows also engage in aerial acrobatics, performing barrel rolls and loops during flight.
Vocalisation
The New Caledonian Crow's vocalisations include a variety of harsh, raspy calls. Their most common sound is a distinctive 'waa-waa' or 'kaaa-kaaa'.
They also produce softer, more melodious notes during social interactions and a series of rapid, staccato calls when alarmed or excited.
Nesting & Breeding
New Caledonian Crows typically form monogamous pairs and breed between September and December. They engage in mutual preening and food sharing as part of their courtship rituals.
Nests are usually built high in trees, constructed with sticks and lined with softer materials like leaves and moss. The female lays 2-3 pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles.
Both parents participate in incubation, which lasts about 18-20 days. Nestlings fledge after approximately 35 days but may remain with their parents for several months, learning crucial tool-making and foraging skills.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the New Caledonian Crow faces threats from habitat loss due to mining and forest degradation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their native forest habitats and raising awareness about their unique cognitive abilities and cultural significance to the island.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in forested areas, especially near Pandanus trees
- Listen for their distinctive, raspy 'waa-waa' calls
- Observe tree branches and crevices for signs of tool use
- Be patient, as they can be shy around humans
- Visit protected areas in New Caledonia for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include raptors such as the Swamp Harrier and introduced mammals like cats and rats, which primarily target eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- New Caledonian Crows can create hooks from straight pieces of wire, a skill previously thought unique to humans.
- They have been observed using tools in a sequence to solve multi-step problems.
- These crows can remember and distinguish human faces, avoiding those perceived as threats.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Corvus moneduloides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22705944A131945232.
View source - 2 3
report, 2000: Ekstrom et al.
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