Corvus moneduloides
New Caledonian Crow
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.
Length
40cm to 45cm
Wingspan
75cm to 85cm
Weight
280g to 330g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 1500 meters
Tropical
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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.
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.
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.
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.
years
The New Caledonian Crow typically lives for 5 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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.
Kanaky Crow
Main predators include raptors such as the Swamp Harrier and introduced mammals like cats and rats, which primarily target eggs and nestlings.
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website: BirdLife International. 2018. Corvus moneduloides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22705944A131945232.
View sourcereport, 2000: Ekstrom et al.