The little raven is a species of the family Corvidae that is native to southeastern Australia. An adult individual is about 48–50 cm (19–19.5 in) in length, with completely black plumage, beak, and legs; as with all Australian species of Corvus, the black feathers have a grey base, and the iris of the adult bird is white. Although the little raven was first named by Gregory Mathews in 1912, it was only in 1967 that there was consensus to separate it from the Australian raven as a distinct species.
Region
Southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs across open woodland, agricultural lands, mallee shrublands, grasslands, and urban parklands. It readily uses edges, paddocks, and town green spaces, avoiding dense rainforest and the most arid interior. Along river corridors and coastal plains it takes advantage of scattered trees for nesting and communal roosts. The species has adapted well to cropping and grazing regions and is common near settlements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little raven is a gregarious corvid native to southeastern Australia, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season and roosting communally. Adults have striking white irises and relatively short throat hackles compared with the Australian raven, helping with identification. It thrives in human-altered landscapes and is frequently seen foraging on farmland, roadsides, and in urban parks.
A juvenile (right) calls to be fed the grub its mother (left) has just caught.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often forms sizeable flocks outside breeding season and roosts communally in tall trees. Breeds in loose colonies or dispersed pairs, building stick nests high in eucalypts. Pairs are monogamous and both sexes help with nest building and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of short, harsh caws, often delivered in rapid sequences. Compared with the Australian raven’s drawn-out wails, the little raven’s notes are shorter, higher-pitched, and more rattling in quality.
Plumage
Entirely black with a glossy sheen; feather bases are grey and throat hackles are relatively short and less shaggy than in larger ravens.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that eats insects, carrion, grain, seeds, fruit, and human food scraps. It also takes eggs and small vertebrates when available and will scavenge roadkill. On farmland it frequently forages for invertebrates unearthed by ploughing and grazers. In urban areas it exploits bins, picnic sites, and lawns for edible items.
Preferred Environment
Mostly feeds on the ground in open habitats such as pastures, croplands, and suburban lawns. It also forages along roadsides and at the edges of woodlands. Communal foraging is common, especially outside the breeding season.
