Fan-tailed Raven

The fan-tailed raven, a member of the crow family, presents a striking figure with its entirely black plumage that, under the caress of sunlight, reveals a purplish-blue sheen. When the feathers are worn, they take on a slightly coppery-brown hue. A hidden feature, the white base of the feathers on the upper neck, is typically concealed but may be glimpsed when the wind plays with the plumage or upon closer inspection. This species is recognized by its robust bill, shorter tail, and expansive wings, which are larger in comparison to its body size of 47–51 cm—akin to the carrion crow.

Identification Tips

To identify the fan-tailed raven, look for a bird with a thick bill and a shorter tail than most ravens. Its large wings are a distinguishing feature, and the throat hackles are notably shorter than those of its raven kin.

Habitat

The fan-tailed raven thrives in arid environments, preferring desert landscapes or open, dry regions that offer crags suitable for nesting.

Distribution

This bird's domain stretches from the Middle East to North Africa, encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, and extends southward to Sudan and Kenya. It is also found traversing the Aïr Massif in the southern Sahara.

Behaviour

The fan-tailed raven is a master of the skies, utilizing its large wings to glide on thermals in a manner reminiscent of vultures. It is known for its remarkable aerial prowess, often seen soaring and frolicking in the thermals with even greater enthusiasm than its raven relatives.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the fan-tailed raven includes guttural croaks interspersed with sounds akin to a frog's call. While capable of vocal mimicry, such behavior is predominantly observed in captivity and only rarely in the wild.

Breeding

Rock ledges and cliff cavities serve as the preferred nesting sites for the fan-tailed raven, though on rare occasions, nests have been spotted in trees within Somalia. The typical clutch consists of 2–4 eggs. Notably, the great-spotted cuckoo has been known to parasitize the nests of this species.

Similar Species

The fan-tailed raven may be confused with other raven species, but its shorter tail, thicker bill, and larger wings set it apart. The brown-necked raven is a species with which it often associates and may roost alongside.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the fan-tailed raven's diet is diverse, ranging from insects and invertebrates to grains found in animal dung, carrion, and human food scraps. It also indulges in fruits and has been observed removing skin parasites from camels. In areas where it is not persecuted, it may scavenge around rubbish dumps and camp sites.

Conservation status

The fan-tailed raven is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.