The Bougainville crow is a species of bird in the crow family, Corvidae.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on Bougainville and adjacent islands in the northern Solomons, occupying primary and secondary lowland and hill forests. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, and disturbed habitats, including gardens and coconut groves. The species adapts well to mosaic landscapes where forest patches intermix with village areas. It is generally common where suitable tree cover remains and will venture into cultivated areas to forage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bougainville crow is a member of the crow family (Corvidae) restricted to the Bougainville region of the northern Solomon Islands. It was historically grouped with other Solomon Islands crows but is now generally treated as a distinct species. Like many corvids, it is intelligent and opportunistic, often exploiting a variety of natural and human-altered habitats. By consuming fruits, it likely plays a role in seed dispersal within island forests.
Temperament
alert, wary, and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes in loose foraging parties. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend territories around nest sites. Nests are placed high in trees, built from sticks and lined with softer materials.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of harsh caws, croaks, and guttural notes delivered singly or in short sequences. Calls vary in pitch and intensity depending on context, including contact, alarm, and territorial displays.
Plumage
Entirely glossy black with a subtle bluish to purplish sheen; feathers are sleek with slightly shaggier throat hackles.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, taking fruits (including figs), seeds, and a wide variety of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans. It will glean from foliage, probe bark and epiphytes, and flip leaf litter on the ground. It may occasionally take small vertebrates, bird eggs, and carrion, and will exploit food scraps around villages.
Preferred Environment
Forages from the forest canopy to the ground, often along edges, gaps, and streamside vegetation. Common around smallholder gardens, coconut plantations, and secondary growth adjacent to intact forest.
