The Palawan crow is a passerine bird of the family Corvidae, in the genus Corvus. It was previously considered a subspecies of the slender-billed crow, but phylogenetic evidence indicates that the two are distinct species, and it has thus been split by the International Ornithologists' Union.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Palawan archipelago, including the main island of Palawan and nearby islands. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and degraded woodland. The species also utilizes mangroves, riverine forest, and occasionally plantations and clearings adjacent to forest. It forages from the mid-story to the canopy and sometimes on the ground along edges and tracks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palawan crow is a small, glossy-black corvid endemic to the Palawan archipelago of the Philippines. It was formerly lumped within the slender-billed crow complex but has been split on genetic and vocal evidence. Its slimmer bill and distinct calls help separate it from larger crows in the region. Like many corvids, it is intelligent and highly opportunistic in its feeding.
Preserved specimen at Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
alert and wary, moderately social
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining loose foraging parties. Likely monogamous, nesting high in trees in a stick nest lined with softer materials. Breeding behavior is not well documented, but clutch sizes of other small Corvus suggest a few eggs per brood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of harsh, nasal caws and croaks, generally higher-pitched and less resonant than larger crows. It also gives rattling or grating notes during social interactions.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a subtle bluish-violet sheen; feathers sleek with minimal throat hackles.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes fruits, seeds, and various invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants. It will also consume small vertebrates, eggs and nestlings when available, and occasionally carrion or human scraps. Foraging involves gleaning from foliage and branches, probing bark and litter, and brief sallies.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in mangrove or riverine habitats. It also utilizes clearings, tracks, and plantation margins where food items are more easily located.
