The Banggai crow, known as kuuyak in the Banggai language, is a member of the crow family from Banggai regency in the province of Central Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is listed as critically endangered by IUCN. It was feared extinct, but was finally rediscovered during surveys on Peleng Island off the southeast coast of Sulawesi by Indonesian ornithologist Mochamad Indrawan in 2007 and 2008.
Region
Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi
Typical Environment
The Banggai crow is confined to the Banggai archipelago, with confirmed populations on Peleng Island and possibly adjacent small islands. It occupies primary and mature secondary forests, favoring interior and edge habitats with tall canopy trees. Records suggest it can use selectively logged forest where large fruiting trees remain. Its distribution is patchy, tracking intact forest blocks and seasonal food resources.
Altitude Range
200–1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known locally as kuuyak, the Banggai crow is endemic to the Banggai Islands of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It was feared extinct until Indonesian ornithologist Mochamad Indrawan rediscovered it on Peleng Island in 2007–2008. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its tiny range and ongoing habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest and engaging local communities.
Temperament
wary and elusive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, direct flight and short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining loose mixed flocks around fruiting trees. Likely monogamous, nesting high in large forest trees. Breeding behavior is poorly documented, but as with many crows, both parents probably attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, low croaks and caws, often delivered singly or in short series. Calls carry through forest edges and are used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Uniformly black, often with a slight bluish gloss; sleek, tight plumage giving a compact appearance.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes fruits (including figs), seeds, and a variety of invertebrates such as beetles and caterpillars. It will also glean small vertebrates, eggs, and occasionally forage on carrion. Foraging behavior includes probing bark, picking fruit in the canopy, and ground searching along trails and clearings.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid to upper forest strata and along edges where fruiting trees are accessible. It also visits gaps, selectively logged patches, and forest margins near gardens when food is available.
