The large-billed crow, formerly referred to widely as the jungle crow, is a widespread Asian species of crow. It is very adaptable and is able to survive on a wide range of food sources, making it capable of colonizing new areas, due to which it is often considered a nuisance, especially on islands. It has a large bill, which is the source of its scientific name macrorhynchos and it is sometimes known by the common name thick-billed crow. It can also be mistaken for a common raven. The eastern jungle crow and Indian jungle crow were once considered conspecific and together called the jungle crow.
Region
South, Southeast, and East Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Indian subcontinent through mainland Southeast Asia to Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, including many offshore islands. It inhabits primary and secondary forests, forest edges, agricultural lands, mangroves, and coastal cliffs. The species is common in towns and cities, frequenting markets, parks, harbors, and refuse sites. On islands it readily colonizes disturbed habitats and can impact native fauna.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Exceptionally adaptable, the large-billed crow thrives from dense forests to busy cities and coastal settlements. Its massive bill and shaggy throat hackles help distinguish it from ravens, which have a wedge-shaped tail. It is an opportunist and can become a nuisance on islands and around landfills, where it readily exploits human waste. Formerly lumped as the 'jungle crow', it has been split into several species across Asia.
Ssp. japonensis scavenging on a dead shark
A large-billed crow at Hokkaido, Japan
Clutch of a large-billed crow in the Philippines. They usually nest very high up in a tree, but this particular nest was only 8 meters from the ground.
Corvus macrorhynchos - (MHNT)
Temperament
bold, intelligent, and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats; often soars and glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms pairs or small family groups, with larger communal roosts outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs build bulky stick nests high in trees or on structures, lining them with softer materials. Highly resourceful, they cache food and may cooperate when mobbing predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, harsh caws and guttural croaks, often delivered in varied sequences. Includes rattling notes, nasal 'caa' calls, and softer conversational chatter within groups.
