The Flores crow is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Flores and a few adjacent small islands in the Lesser Sundas, where it inhabits primary and secondary tropical forests, forest edges, and wooded agricultural mosaics. It uses both lowland and hill forests and sometimes ventures into semi-open areas near villages. Birds forage from the ground to mid-canopy, often along edges, riverine corridors, and clearings. Persistence depends on patches of mature trees for nesting and connected forested habitat.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Flores crow is a little-known corvid restricted to the island of Flores and nearby islets in Indonesia. Like other crows, it is highly intelligent and adaptable, foraging from the forest floor to the canopy. Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten its small, localized population. It can be confused with larger, more widespread crows, but is smaller and more slender with a finer bill.
Temperament
wary, intelligent, and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes forming loose foraging parties. Presumed monogamous, nesting high in trees with stick platforms lined with softer material. Territorial around nest sites but tolerant at rich food sources. Juveniles may accompany adults for some time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh caws, croaks, and rasping notes, often delivered singly or in short series. Calls are lower and more nasal than many larger crows, with variable scolding and contact calls when foraging.
Plumage
Entirely black with a slight glossy sheen, feathers appearing sleek with a subtly shaggy throat.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore feeding on insects and other invertebrates, small reptiles, eggs and nestlings, fruits, and seeds. It will take carrion and scraps where available. Foraging methods include ground gleaning, probing leaf litter, and picking items from branches and foliage. It may occasionally follow human activity to exploit disturbed substrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, riverbanks, and tracks, as well as within secondary forest and agroforestry areas. Often uses mixed habitats where tree cover meets open ground, which concentrates invertebrates and fallen fruit.
