The eastern jungle crow is a bird in the family Corvidae. It is found in China, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand. It is invasive to Sri Lanka.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayan foothills through northeastern India and Bangladesh into Myanmar, southern China (including Yunnan), and Thailand, with extensions into adjoining mainland Southeast Asia. Prefers forest edges, secondary growth, riverine woodland, and mosaic landscapes of plantations and farmland. Common around villages and small towns where refuse is available. It also uses forest clearings and logged areas, and will enter urban green spaces.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Eastern jungle crow is a large, highly intelligent corvid known for its adaptability to forests, villages, and agricultural landscapes. It often benefits people by cleaning up organic waste but can also raid crops and nests. Like many crows, it shows remarkable problem-solving skills and complex social behavior, including communal roosting.
Temperament
social and bold
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, gathering into larger flocks at food sources and evening roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in tall trees, building bulky stick nests. Both sexes participate in nest defense and rearing the young. Communal roosts can host dozens to hundreds of birds outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire dominated by loud, harsh caws interspersed with guttural croaks and rattling notes. Calls vary with context, from contact calls to alarm notes, and can carry long distances through forest edges.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black plumage with a metallic purplish-green sheen and shaggy throat hackles.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore feeding on insects, small vertebrates, eggs and nestlings, fruits, grains, and carrion. Freely scavenges around human settlements and markets. Will probe leaf litter and soil for invertebrates and exploit seasonal fruiting trees. It also takes food from riverbanks and roadsides.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, plantations, and cultivated fields, frequently visiting villages, refuse sites, and outdoor eateries. Uses both the ground and low to mid canopy, often following human activity for feeding opportunities.
