Pied Crow

The pied crow, Corvus albus, is a striking bird with a glossy black head and neck, which contrasts sharply with its white shoulders and lower breast. This bird is similar in size to the European carrion crow, measuring 46 to 50 centimeters in length, but it boasts a larger bill, slightly elongated tail and wings, and longer legs. The plumage of younger birds may show a mix of black within the white areas. Its eyes are a deep, dark brown.

Identification Tips

When observing the pied crow, one can note its smaller stature compared to the white-necked raven, with which it shares its range in southern Africa. The pied crow is distinguished by its white chest and belly, and a more delicate black beak, as opposed to the white-necked raven's black chest and belly and heavier, white-tipped beak. The pied crow is larger than the black crow.

Habitat

The pied crow is a versatile species, often found in open country with close proximity to villages and towns. It avoids the dense equatorial rainforests and is seldom seen far from human settlements, though it is not as urban-centric as the house crow of Asia.

Distribution

This bird is Africa's most widespread member of the genus Corvus, found from sub-Saharan Africa to the Cape of Good Hope, and extending to Madagascar and various Indian Ocean islands. Its range includes countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

Pied crows are typically seen in pairs or small groups, but may congregate in large numbers where food is abundant. They exhibit similar behaviors to the hooded and carrion crows. In Dakar, they have been observed mobbing ospreys and snake eagles, while steering clear of black kites.

Song & Calls

The call of the pied crow is a distinctive harsh "ar-ar-ar-ar" or "karh-karh-karh," which resonates across its habitat.

Breeding

Nests are constructed in tall, isolated trees or on man-made structures such as telephone poles. Both sexes contribute to building the nest. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to six pale green, brown-spotted eggs laid between September and November. Incubation lasts 18 to 19 days, with fledging occurring around 45 days. Both parents are involved in rearing the young.

Diet and Feeding

The pied crow is an opportunistic feeder, sourcing food from the ground, trees, and other areas. Its diet includes insects, small invertebrates, reptiles, mammals, young birds, eggs, grains, peanuts, carrion, human food scraps, and fruit. Remarkably, it has been observed preying on roosting fruit bats and is a common scavenger around slaughterhouses.

Conservation status

The pied crow is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss.