House Crow

The House Crow, Corvus splendens, is a bird of moderate size, measuring about 40 cm in length, and presents a slimmer profile than its relatives, the jackdaw and the carrion crow. Exhibiting a striking contrast in its plumage, the bird's head, throat, and upper breast are adorned with a rich, glossy black, while the neck and lower breast are cloaked in a lighter grey-brown. Its wings, tail, and legs are of a deep black, completing its distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the House Crow, look for the combination of its black and grey plumage, with the grey extending around the neck forming a collar. This collar's shade varies among subspecies, ranging from pale to dark grey. The bird's bill and plumage coloration also show regional variations.

Habitat

The House Crow is closely associated with human settlements, thriving in environments ranging from small villages to bustling cities. It has adapted remarkably well to urban life, often seen foraging in marketplaces and garbage dumps.

Distribution

Native to southern Asia, the House Crow's range includes Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Laccadive Islands, southern Myanmar, south Thailand, and coastal southern Iran. It has been introduced to East Africa, Australia, and Europe, with a notable breeding population in the Dutch town of Hook of Holland.

Behaviour

The House Crow is a highly opportunistic and flexible species, thriving in close proximity to humans. It has shown a remarkable ability to utilize a variety of resources, which has contributed to its success as an invasive species in tropical regions.

Song & Calls

The House Crow's call is a distinctive and harsh "kaaw-kaaw," which is a familiar sound in its urban habitats.

Breeding

Breeding requires the presence of trees, although the House Crow may also nest on structures like telephone towers. It lays 3-5 eggs in a stick nest, and in South Asia, it is often parasitized by the Asian koel. The breeding season peaks from April to July.

Similar Species

While the House Crow is unique in its coloration, it may be confused with other crows or jackdaws. However, its grey neck collar and association with human habitats are key distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous scavenger, the House Crow's diet includes refuse, small reptiles and mammals, insects, other invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, grain, and fruits. It is known to forage on the ground and in trees, taking advantage of a wide range of food sources.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the House Crow as Least Concern, reflecting its widespread distribution and large population size, which has been bolstered by the expansion of human settlements.