The Sulawesi crow is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae that is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It was formerly considered as conspecific with the Sunda crow with the combined taxa known as the slender-billed crow.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi and nearby islets)
Typical Environment
This species occupies primary and secondary lowland to lower montane forests, forest edges, and mosaic landscapes with agroforestry. It often uses logged forest and wooded plantations where tall trees remain. Foraging occurs from the mid-story to the canopy but it also descends to clearings and roadsides. It may approach villages bordering forest, especially where fruiting trees are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sulawesi crow is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and was formerly lumped with the Sunda crow in the slender-billed crow complex. It favors forested habitats and edges, where it forages both in the canopy and on the ground. Like many corvids, it is highly adaptable and intelligent, helping disperse seeds and control insect populations.
Temperament
alert, wary, and intelligent
Flight Pattern
steady, direct flight with measured wingbeats; occasional short glides between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining loose mixed-species feeding flocks in the canopy. Nests are placed high in tall trees; both parents likely share nest duties. Territorial around nest sites but more tolerant at feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of nasal, somewhat high-pitched caws and rasping notes, less guttural than larger crows. Calls include short rattles and contact calls used to keep pairs or groups coordinated in dense forest.
Plumage
Uniform, sleek, glossy plumage with a subtle purplish-blue sheen; feathers appear tight and smooth. The overall aspect is slender compared with larger jungle crows.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that eats insects, other arthropods, fruit, seeds, and small vertebrates when available. It will take eggs or nestlings opportunistically and may scavenge carrion. Seasonal fruiting events can draw birds into mixed flocks, while dry periods see a shift toward more animal prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest canopy and edges, probing bark, foliage, and epiphytes, and gleaning from branches. Also forages at forest gaps, along trails, and occasionally on the ground in clearings and plantations.
