Stresemann's bushcrow, also known as the Abyssinian pie, bush crow, Ethiopian bushcrow, or by its generic name Zavattariornis, is a rather starling-like bird, which is a member of the crow family, Corvidae. It is slightly larger than the North American blue jay and is a bluish-grey in overall colour which becomes almost white on the forehead. The throat and chest are creamy-white with the tail and wings a glossy black. The black feathers have a tendency to bleach to brown at their tips. The iris of the bird is brown and the eye is surrounded by a band of naked bright blue skin. The bill, legs, and feet are black.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Confined to semi-arid Acacia–Commiphora savannas and open thornbush in southern Ethiopia. It favors lightly grazed rangelands, scattered thorn trees, and areas with abundant termite mounds. The species avoids dense woodland and cultivated fields and is noticeably absent just outside its climatic envelope. Its tiny range closely matches a relatively cooler, drier microclimate within the broader savanna landscape.
Altitude Range
1200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Stresemann's bushcrow is restricted to a tiny pocket of southern Ethiopia where a specific cool, dry microclimate seems to limit its range. It is highly social and often breeds cooperatively, with groups helping to feed nestlings. The species feeds largely on ground-dwelling insects and often forages around livestock. Habitat loss and climate change are major threats, and it is assessed as Endangered.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in family parties or small groups that forage and move together. It nests in thorny trees, building bulky stick nests, and often shows cooperative breeding with helpers assisting the breeding pair. Pairs are territorial during breeding but join loose groups while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh chattering calls, rattling trills, and scratchy scolds typical of small corvids. Calls carry well over open savanna and are used to maintain group cohesion and alert to threats.
Plumage
Bluish-grey overall with an almost white forehead; creamy-white throat and chest; glossy black wings and tail with tips that can bleach brown.
Diet
Primarily insects such as termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, taken from the ground or just under surface debris. It flips dung, probes around termite mounds, and gleans from low shrubs. Occasionally takes other small invertebrates and opportunistically snatches emerging termite alates after rains.
Preferred Environment
Open, lightly grazed savanna with scattered thorn trees and abundant termite mounds. Frequently forages near livestock and along track edges where prey is exposed. Avoids dense cover and tall crops.
