White-necked Raven

The White-necked Raven, Corvus albicollis, is a bird of striking appearance, somewhat smaller than its cousin the Common Raven. With a length of 50 to 54 centimeters, it is also closely related to the Thick-billed Raven, C. crassirostris. Its plumage is predominantly black, but upon closer inspection, one can discern a faint purple gloss adorning the throat, breast, and neck. A distinctive feature is the large patch of white feathers gracing the nape, setting it apart from other raven species.

Identification Tips

This raven can be identified by its shorter tail and a deep bill with a white tip, which is almost as strongly arched as that of the Thick-billed Raven. In flight, it soars gracefully with shallower wingbeats compared to other members of the Corvidae family.

Habitat

The White-necked Raven is a denizen of open, mountainous regions in eastern and southern Africa. It is also a familiar sight in small towns and villages, provided there are suitable roosting and nesting sites in the form of nearby mountains or hills.

Distribution

This species is native to eastern and southern Africa, where it can be found in suitable habitats across the region.

Behaviour

On the ground is where the White-necked Raven typically seeks its sustenance, although it will also forage in trees. It exhibits remarkable ingenuity, such as dropping tortoises from heights to crack their shells open. Carrion, fruit, grain, insects, small reptiles, and even human food are part of its varied diet. The bird is known to forage openly in back yards and gardens. Socially, these ravens form flocks after fledging and later pair off to establish territories. They are often seen alongside other scavengers, such as kites or vultures.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the White-necked Raven includes calls reminiscent of the Common Raven but with a huskier quality. Its croak bears a whispering note, and like all corvids, it is capable of vocal mimicry, although this is only observed in captivity.

Breeding

Nests are constructed as bowls of sticks lined with grass, hair, and wool, predominantly on cliff ledges, though occasionally in trees. The typical clutch consists of 3 to 5 eggs.

Similar Species

The White-necked Raven can be confused with the Common Raven or the Thick-billed Raven, but its shorter tail, deeper bill with a white tip, and the white patch on the neck help distinguish it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White-necked Raven is eclectic, including tortoises, carrion, fruit, grain, insects, small reptiles, and peanuts. It is also known to scavenge human food and is quite bold in its foraging habits.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-necked Raven as Least Concern, indicating that it currently does not face any significant threats to its survival.