The Australian raven is a passerine corvid bird native to Australia. Measuring 46–53 centimetres (18–21 in) in length, it has an all-black plumage, beak and mouth, as well as strong, greyish-black legs and feet. The upperparts of its body are glossy, with a purple-blue, greenish sheen; its black feathers have grey bases. The Australian raven is distinguished from the Australian crow, and other related corvids, by its long chest feathers, or throat hackles, which are prominent in mature birds. Older individuals and subadults have white irises, while the younger birds' eyes display blue inner rims; hatchlings and young birds have brown, dark irises until about fifteen months of age, at which point their irises become hazel-coloured, with an inner blue rim around each pupil, this lasting until they are roughly 2.5 to 3 years of age. Nicholas Aylward Vigors and Thomas Horsfield described the Australian raven in 1827, its species name coronoides highlighting its similarity with the carrion crow. Two subspecies are recognised, which differ slightly in their vocalisations, and are quite divergent, genetically.
Region
Australia
Typical Environment
Found across most of eastern, southern, and southwestern Australia, including coastal plains, open forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and urban areas. It readily occupies parks, suburbs, and farm edges where food is abundant. In arid interiors it concentrates near watercourses, towns, and pastoral properties. It avoids the densest rainforests and the most treeless deserts but uses ecotones and scattered tree country extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Australian raven is the largest native corvid in much of Australia and is easily recognized by its long, shaggy throat hackles that flare when calling. Adults have striking white irises, contrasting with dark bills and glossy black plumage with a bluish-purple sheen. Its drawn-out, wailing call is a hallmark of Australian soundscapes, especially around cities and farmland. Highly intelligent and adaptable, it thrives in both natural and urban environments.
Subspecies perplexus, Perth, WA, showing smaller hackles
Adult in Sydney. Shows bare skin on neck.
Australian raven scavenging roadkill with a wedge-tailed eagle
Temperament
alert, intelligent, and wary; territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and frequent soaring glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen as pairs or family groups defending year-round territories, though larger flocks form where food is concentrated. Monogamous pairs build large stick nests high in trees, lined with softer material. Clutches usually contain several eggs, and both parents attend the young. Outside the breeding period they may roost communally near reliable food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Call is a drawn-out, wailing ah-aah with a falling, hollow quality and noticeable vibrato. Also gives harsher croaks, caws, and rattles during social interactions and alarm. Vocal displays often accompany flared throat hackles.
