Brown-headed Crow

The Brown-headed Crow, Corvus fuscicapillus, is a member of the passerine order and the Corvidae family. This bird is notable for its glossy purplish-black plumage, which contrasts with its dark brownish-black head and neck. It boasts a robust, compressed beak with a high arch, which is black in males and reddish or yellowish-white with a black tip in females and juveniles. The legs are black, and the face is well-feathered with distinctly parted nasal bristles and bristly throat feathers. Its tail is squared-off at the end, and the bird reaches a total length of approximately 22 inches, including a 7-inch tail.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Brown-headed Crow, look for the distinctive coloration of the head and neck, as well as the squared-off tail. The beak is a key feature, with sexual dimorphism evident in the coloration—black in males and reddish or yellowish-white with a black tip in females and juveniles.

Habitat

This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It prefers virgin forest environments but can also be found in secondary growth areas.

Distribution

Endemic to Indonesia, the Brown-headed Crow has a fragmented distribution across northern Papua, including the lower Mamberamo River Valley, the Nimbokrang region near Jayapura, the islands of Waigeo and Gemien in western Papua, and the Aru Islands in Maluku province. It is typically found at altitudes up to 500 meters.

Behaviour

The Brown-headed Crow is often observed moving through the canopy either alone or in pairs, and occasionally in small groups. It is not commonly seen in open countryside or coastal areas.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of this crow include a harsh "caw" that can be heard in brief, two-syllable utterances or as longer, drawn-out sounds.

Diet and Feeding

This crow's diet consists primarily of fruit, which it forages from among the foliage in the forest canopy.

Conservation status

The Brown-headed Crow is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN. It faces threats from habitat destruction due to logging and mining activities, as well as a planned dam across the Mamberamo River. The estimated population is between 15,000 and 30,000 birds, with a total area of occupancy around 18,400 square kilometers. Some of its range falls within protected areas, and parts of the forest remain untouched, offering some hope for its continued survival.