Region

Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

Typical Environment

Occurs across arid and semi-arid landscapes of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, and the Arabian Peninsula including Yemen, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. It favors rocky deserts, wadis, cliffs, and escarpments, and readily uses coastal plains and dry foothills. The species often exploits human-altered areas such as towns, rubbish tips, and roadsides, where food is predictable. Nesting typically takes place on cliff ledges, in crevices, or occasionally on buildings.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3000 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong flier and soaring glider, often performing agile aerial maneuvers

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes gathering at rich food sources. Monogamous pairs nest on cliffs or buildings, constructing stick nests lined with softer materials like hair or wool. Both sexes participate in nest building and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are a series of harsh croaks and gruff rattles, higher-pitched and more nasal than those of larger ravens. It also gives buzzes and clucks during social interactions and aerial displays.

Diet

An opportunistic omnivore that takes insects (especially beetles and locusts), small reptiles, carrion, and occasionally nestlings or eggs. It also consumes grains, dates, and other fruits, and readily scavenges human refuse. Roadkill and livestock offal are frequently exploited in its range.

Preferred Environment

Forages along rocky slopes, wadis, coastal flats, and around settlements and camps. Common along roads and rubbish tips where food is predictable; also patrols cliff faces and open desert for wind-blown or exposed prey.