The white-necked crow is the largest of the four Caribbean corvids. It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola ; it was formerly also extant on Puerto Rico and Saint Croix in the United States Virgin Islands, but has been extirpated from both islands due to considerable forest clearance and hunting for meat.
Region
Greater Antilles (Hispaniola)
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits humid and semi-humid broadleaf forests, including mature lowland rainforest, montane forest, and forest edges. It also uses secondary growth, coffee and cacao plantations, and mixed agroforestry mosaics where tall trees remain. Birds forage mainly in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to feed on fallen fruits. Historically present on Puerto Rico and St. Croix, it is now restricted to suitable forest tracts in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-necked crow is the largest of the Caribbean corvids and is now confined to Hispaniola after being extirpated from Puerto Rico and St. Croix. Its name refers to the whitish bases of the neck feathers, which show when the bird ruffles or displays its hackles. Highly intelligent and resourceful, it plays an important role as a seed disperser in tropical forests. Habitat loss and hunting have caused significant declines across its range.
In flight at Laguna de Oviedo, Dominican Republic
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes forming loose flocks at fruiting trees and communal roosts. Nests are built high in tall trees; both parents attend the nest. Breeding is believed to occur during the late dry to early wet season, with small clutches typical of corvids.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are varied and include harsh croaks, guttural rattles, and nasal calls, often delivered in short sequences. It also produces softer conversational notes within groups and alarm calls that carry through the canopy.
