The little crow is an Australian species of crow, very similar to the Torresian crow in having white bases to the neck and head feathers but slightly smaller and with a slightly smaller bill. It has the same white iris that distinguish the Australian species from all other Corvus except a few island species to the north of Australia. The western jackdaw shares that trait, but while formerly considered members of Corvus the jackdaws are now commonly put into their own genus Coloeus. Like the Australian raven, the little crow has a blue ring around the pupil.
Region
Interior Australia
Typical Environment
Found across arid and semi-arid inland Australia, especially in open woodlands, acacia (mulga) scrub, and chenopod shrublands. It frequents agricultural areas, town margins, and roadsides where food is available. The species is sparse in dense forests and absent from the wet tropics and most coastal zones. It uses scattered trees and farm shelterbelts for perching and nesting, and will forage around water points and rubbish tips.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little crow is the smallest of Australia’s corvids, with adults showing a pale whitish iris and a subtle blue ring around the pupil. When neck and head feathers are ruffled, the white feather bases can show through, a feature it shares with the Torresian crow. It often nests semi-colonially, with multiple stick nests in a single tree, and readily exploits farmland and town edges.
Little crows eating roadkill
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional glides
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks outside the breeding season and roosts communally. Breeds in loose colonies, building stick nests high in trees, sometimes several nests in one tree. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are a series of short, nasal caws delivered in quick succession, less harsh and more clipped than the Australian raven. Vocalizations include chatter and harsh scolds when alarmed near nests.
