The collared crow, also known as the ring-necked crow or white-collared crow, is a member of the family Corvidae native to China and north of Vietnam.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Primarily found in eastern and southern China, including lowland plains, river valleys, coastal flats, and agricultural mosaics; it has also occurred north into Vietnam. It favors open country near water such as estuaries, fish ponds, and rice paddies, as well as village margins and city edges. The species generally avoids dense forests and very high mountains. It often forages along shorelines and mudflats, switching to fields and human-modified habitats as opportunities arise.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking crow is easily recognized by the bold white collar around its neck and upper mantle. It is highly intelligent and adaptable, often exploiting wetlands, rice fields, and fish ponds. The species has declined in recent decades due to habitat change and persecution, leading to conservation concern. It often forms small groups and uses communal roosts outside the breeding season.
Temperament
wary but bold, intelligent
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional soaring glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes aggregating in larger flocks at feeding sites or communal roosts. Monogamous pairs build stick nests in tall trees near open foraging areas. They are attentive parents, both sexes helping with nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, hoarse caws and croaks, often delivered in short sequences. Calls carry over open water and fields and can include harsher scolding notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with a conspicuous, broad white collar around the hindneck and upper mantle; feathers sleek and slightly iridescent in good light.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes insects, worms, and other invertebrates, small vertebrates, eggs and nestlings, grains and seeds, and various fruits. It also scavenges carrion and readily exploits human refuse. Along coasts and wetlands it may pick shellfish and crabs, sometimes dropping hard prey to crack them.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open farmland, rice paddies, and along estuaries, mudflats, and fish ponds. Often feeds on the ground or at the water’s edge, and will visit villages and refuse sites for scraps.
