Long-billed Crow

The long-billed crow, Corvus validus, is a remarkable avian species endemic to the Northern Maluku Islands. This crow is notable for its considerable size, with a length ranging from 45 to 53 cm, including its relatively short tail. It boasts a glossy black plumage and a substantial bill that tapers from a broad base. The bird's legs and feet are also black, and it is distinguished by its white irises.

Identification Tips

To identify the long-billed crow, one should look for its large size and glossy plumage, as well as its elongated beak and distinctive white iris. It is set apart from other crows in its range, such as the Torresian crow (Corvus orru), which has a much smaller beak and prefers more open habitats as opposed to forests.

Habitat

The long-billed crow is a forest-dwelling bird, primarily inhabiting the lush forests of the Maluku Islands, including Morotai, Obira, Kayoa, Kasiruta, Bacan, and Halmahera.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Maluku Islands, an archipelago within Indonesia, where it has adapted to live in the dense forest environment.

Behaviour

The long-billed crow is known for its unique vocalizations, which have been likened to the yapping of a puppy, producing a "cruk… cruk… cruk" sound.

Song & Calls

The call of the long-billed crow is distinctive and can be described as a series of "cruk" sounds, reminiscent of a young canine's yapping.

Conservation Status

The long-billed crow is classified as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It has a restricted range with an area of occupancy of about 25,700 km². The population is estimated to be declining due to habitat degradation, although the species is still relatively common and shows some adaptability to secondary forests and human-modified landscapes. The conservation status has been recently upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" due to more rapid declines than previously thought.