The Philippine jungle crow is a species of crow endemic to the Philippines. It is a generalist and found across a wide range of habitats including near human settlements. It was formerly as subspecies of the Large-billed crow but has now been designated as a distinct species.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in a wide range of habitats from primary and secondary lowland forest to montane forest, forest edges, mangroves, and coastal scrub. It readily uses agricultural mosaics, coconut groves, plantations, and open country with scattered trees. Around towns and villages it frequents parks, gardens, markets, and rubbish dumps. It is absent from some islands where closely related forms occur, but is otherwise widespread in suitable habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Philippine jungle crow is a highly adaptable, intelligent corvid found across much of the Philippines, often thriving near people. It was long treated as a subspecies within the Large-billed Crow complex but is now recognized by some authorities as a distinct species. It has a powerful, arched bill, shaggy throat hackles, and a loud, varied voice. Its generalist habits allow it to exploit forests, farmlands, and urban areas alike.
Temperament
bold, adaptable, and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats interspersed with short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and gathers in larger flocks at rich food sources or communal roosts. Pairs are monogamous and defend nesting territories, building stick nests high in trees. They show cooperative vigilance and may mob raptors.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire dominated by harsh, resonant caws and croaks, often given in series. Also produces rattles, grating calls, and softer contact notes, with pitch and cadence varying by context.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a purplish-blue sheen; throat feathers are elongated and shaggy (hackles).
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes insects, other invertebrates, small vertebrates, eggs and nestlings, carrion, and a wide variety of fruits and seeds. It readily exploits human refuse and roadkill. In coastal areas it may pick crabs, mollusks, and fish scraps. It caches surplus food and uses its bill to probe and pry in bark or leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground, in low vegetation, and in tree canopies along forest edges and clearings. Common around farms, markets, shorelines, and rubbish dumps where food is plentiful. Often follows human activity to scavenge.
