Torresian crow: Difference between revisions
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The '''Torresian crow''' is about the same size as the Eurasian [[carrion crow]] but with a more robust bill and slightly longer legs. |
The '''Torresian crow''' is about the same size as the Eurasian [[carrion crow]] but with a more robust bill and slightly longer legs. |
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It has the typical white iris of the other Australasian Corvus species but can be distinguished from most (except the Little Crow) by the base of the head and neck feathers being snow white (revealed when blown by a strong wind). It also shuffles its wings after alighting. |
It has the typical white iris of the other Australasian Corvus species but can be distinguished from most (except the [[Little Crow]]) by the base of the head and neck feathers being snow white (revealed when blown by a strong wind). It also shuffles its wings after alighting. |
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Length: Average, 50cm. |
Length: Average, 50cm. |
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Revision as of 21:52, 17 April 2003
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| Corvus orru |
The Torresian crow is about the same size as the Eurasian carrion crow but with a more robust bill and slightly longer legs. It has the typical white iris of the other Australasian Corvus species but can be distinguished from most (except the Little Crow) by the base of the head and neck feathers being snow white (revealed when blown by a strong wind). It also shuffles its wings after alighting.
Length: Average, 50cm.
Range: It occupies the tropical North of Australia as far south as Brisbane on the east coast where the species seems to be adjusting well to an urbanized life.
Adaptable and intelligent like its American, European, African and Asian relatives, it has learned how to kill and eat the introduced poisonous cane toad without ingesting the poison by flipping them onto their backs and delivering a lethal blow with its powerful bill. It seems to recognize the significance of anyone carrying a gun and quickly makes itself conspicuous by its absence.
Food: Typical crow in that it will take just about anything. It has been seen taking stranded fish on the seashore, carrion, human food scraps, fruit and insects.
Nest: Two to four eggs in large stick nest high in a tree.
Voice: Quite different from the Australian raven. A nasal uk-uk-uk-uk-uk or sometimes an ok-ok-ok-ok.
Image links:
http://www2.abc.net.au/science/birds/asp/query.asp?Action=Display&id=101
http://www.gt-works.com/yachoo/kissa/colum/australia/img_002/minamigarasu.jpg
