White-necked raven

The white-necked raven (Corvus albicollis) is a species of raven native to eastern and southern Africa. It is somewhat smaller (50–54 cm in length) than the common raven or its nearest relative, the thick-billed raven C. crassirostris.

For the bird formerly known as the American white-necked raven, see Chihuahuan raven.

White-necked raven
From Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus
Species:
C. albicollis
Binomial name
Corvus albicollis
Latham, 1790
Distribution map

Description
Profile of head - taken at the Cincinnati Zoo

The white-necked raven has a much shorter tail than the common raven, as well as a deeper bill with a white tip that is almost as strongly arched as that of the thick-billed raven. Though predominantly black, the throat, breast and neck show a faint purple gloss. There is a large patch of white feathers on the nape of the neck.

Soars well with shallower wingbeats than other Corvidae.[2]

Measurements
  • Length: 50 – 54 cm[3]
  • Wingspan: 752 – 860 mm (17 unsexed birds)[3]
  • Weight: 762 - 865 g[3]

Vocalisation

Often described as a raven with a sore throat, it has very similar calls to the common raven, but with a more husky note. It has a croak like the other raven species but with a more whispering note. Like all corvids, the White-necked raven is capable of vocal mimicry. However, this behavior is only ever recorded in captivity.

Distribution and habitat
White-necked raven (focused) with the Kilimanjaro peak in the background
White-necked raven (focused) with the Kilimanjaro peak in the background

It occurs in eastern and southern Africa in open, mountainous country. It is quite commonly found in small towns and villages as long as there are mountains or hills for roosting and nesting relatively nearby.[4]

Behaviour
in flight

Most of this bird's food is obtained from the ground, but it will take food from trees as well. It has been seen to drop a tortoise from a height on to hard ground, preferably on rocks, and then swoop down to eat it, or even pick it up again if not sufficiently broken. White-necked ravens will also readily take carrion from road kills. Fruit, grain, insects, small reptiles, peanuts and human food are also readily taken, and the bird forages in back yards and gardens quite openly. Like all or most raven species, White-necked ravens form flocks after leaving their parents and, once fully matured, will pair off and form territories. They are often found in the company of other scavengers such as kites or vultures.

Nests are bowls of sticks lined with grass, hair, and wool, built mainly on cliff ledges but occasionally found in trees. There are usually 3-5 eggs laid.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Corvus albicollis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22706077A94049525. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706077A94049525.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa. ISBN 0-620-17583-4.
  3. Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa. The John Voelker Bird Book Fund. p. 477. ISBN 0-620-17583-4.
  4. Irwin, Michael P Stuart (1981). The birds of Zimbabwe. [Quest Publishing].
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