Brown-necked Raven

The Brown-necked Raven, Corvus ruficollis, is a bird of notable size, measuring 52–56 cm in length. It bears a resemblance to the common raven in proportions, yet it is distinguished by a less robust bill and slightly more pointed wings. The species is characterized by a brownish-black head and throat, which inspire its common name, while the remainder of its plumage shimmers with a gloss of purple, blue, or purplish-blue. Despite the initial vibrancy of its feathers, they tend to fade to a brownish black, giving the bird a rather brown appearance by the time it molts. The feet, legs, and bill are uniformly black.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Brown-necked Raven, look for the distinct brownish-black coloration of the head and throat, contrasted with the glossy black of the body. The bird's bill is not as large or deep as that of the common raven, and the wings appear more pointed when observed in profile.

Habitat

This raven species is well-adapted to desert environments, where it frequents oases and palm groves, making the arid landscapes of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the Greater Middle East and southern Iran its home.

Distribution

The Brown-necked Raven has a broad range, encompassing almost the entirety of North Africa, extending southward to Kenya, across the Arabian Peninsula, and reaching into the Greater Middle East and southern Iran.

Behaviour

In its natural habitat, the Brown-necked Raven exhibits a fearless demeanor, provided it is not harassed. However, it can quickly become wary and shy if it feels threatened by excessive attention. An intriguing aspect of its behavior is its cooperative hunting strategy, as observed in a 2009 Israeli study, where individuals work together to hunt lizards, with some ravens blocking potential escape routes while others pursue the prey.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Brown-necked Raven is reminiscent of the common raven, primarily consisting of croaks that are higher in pitch. It also produces a harsh "karr-karr-karr" and a "kuerk-kuerk" call in flight. Notably, like its corvid relatives, it is capable of vocal mimicry, although this is more commonly observed in captivity and only occasionally in the wild.

Breeding

The nesting habits of the Brown-necked Raven mirror those of the common raven. Nests can be found in trees, on cliffs, or within old and ruined structures. The species typically lays 4–5 eggs, which are incubated for 20–22 days. Fledglings usually leave the nest by the 37th or 38th day and are adept flyers by the 42nd to 45th day.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Brown-necked Raven is diverse, including carrion, snakes, locusts, grasshoppers, stranded fish in coastal areas, grains pilfered from storage, dates, and other fruits. Its opportunistic feeding habits allow it to thrive in its desert habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Brown-necked Raven as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival on a global scale.