The gray crow, formerly known as the bare-faced crow, is about the same size as the Eurasian carrion crow but has somewhat different proportions and quite atypical feather pigmentation during the juvenile phase for a member of this genus.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and hill rainforests of New Guinea, including forest edges, secondary growth, and swampy or gallery forests. It frequents fruiting trees in the canopy and will also use forest clearings, river margins, and gardens near villages. The species is largely a resident of dense, humid habitats but shows some adaptability to disturbed forest and plantations. It is generally scarce in open country far from tree cover.
Altitude Range
0–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the bare-faced crow, the Grey Crow is about the size of a Eurasian carrion crow but with different proportions and conspicuously bare, pale facial skin. Juveniles show atypical feather pigmentation for a Corvus, appearing paler and patchier before maturing. It is a largely forest-dwelling crow of New Guinea that relies heavily on fruit but will take animal prey.
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the canopy. Nests are bulky stick platforms placed high in tall trees. Likely lays 2–3 eggs; both parents attend the young, with cooperative feeding by family members.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are softer and more nasal than many crows, including drawn-out waah or yah notes and mewing calls. Phrases are repeated at intervals and carry through the forest but lack the harsh rasp typical of some Corvus.
Plumage
Body largely pale grey to brownish-grey with darker blackish wings and tail; feathering is looser on the body. The face shows extensive bare skin with sparse bristles, giving a distinctive bare-faced look.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs and other soft fruits from the canopy. Supplements its diet with insects, beetles, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage or bark. Will opportunistically eat eggs, nestlings, small reptiles, and carrion when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid- to upper canopy at fruiting trees and along forest edges. Also forages in secondary growth, riverine corridors, and occasionally on the ground near villages and plantations.
