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The Pied Crow (Corvus albus) is a widely distributed African bird species in the crow genus.

Structurally, the Pied Crow is perhaps better thought of as a small crow-sized Raven, especially as it can hybridise with the Somali Crow (Dwarf Raven) where their ranges meet in the Horn of Africa. Its behaviour, though, is more typical of the Eurasian Carrion Crows, and it may perhaps prove to be a modern link (along with the Somali Crow) between the Eurasian crows and the Common Raven.

Description Closeup

It is approximately the size of the European Carrion Crow or a little larger (46"?50 cm in length) but has a proportionately larger bill, slightly longer tail and wings, and longer legs. As its name suggests, its glossy black head and neck are interrupted by a large area of white feathering from the shoulders down to the lower breast. The tail, bill and wings are black too. It is rarely seen very far from human habitation, though is not as tied to the urban way of life as the House Crow (Corvus splendens) of Asia.

The voice is described as a harsh "ar-ar-ar-ar" or "karh-karh-karh".

Distribution and habitat

This species, Africa's most widespread member of the genus Corvus, occurs from Sub-Saharan Africa down to the Cape of Good Hope and on the large island of Madagascar, the Comoros islands, Aldabra, Zanzibar, Pemba and Fernando Po. It inhabits mainly open country with villages and towns nearby. It does not occur in the equatorial rainforest region.

Behaviour

Diet

Most of its food is obtained from the ground such as insects and other small invertebrates, small reptiles, small mammals, young birds and eggs, grain, peanuts, carrion and any scraps of human food and fruit. It has been recorded killing and eating roosting Fruit Bats and is frequently seen (sometimes in huge numbers) scavenging around slaughterhouses.

Reproduction

The nest is usually built in tall, isolated trees, though sometimes smaller specimens are used, depending on availability. The cross supports of telephone poles are also frequently used. Eggs, average 4"?5 from September to November (depending on latitude) and are pale green spotted with brown. The eggs are normally covered when the incubating female leaves the nest. Incubation is 18"?19 days and the young are usually fledged by around 45 days. Both sexes rear the young.

External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Corvus albus

Photos

• Close-up of bird calling
• Bird calling on branch

Videos

• Pied Crow videos on the Internet Bird Collection