Birdsong field guide
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
The largest of Australia's corvids, the Australian Raven is an intelligent, territorial passerine distinguished by its prominent throat hackles and haunting, drawn-out call.
What it sounds like
A slow, high-pitched 'a-h... a-h... aaa-hhh' with a characteristic mournful, dying finish on the final note.
Field notes
- Adults feature striking white irises with a narrow, pale blue inner ring, while juveniles have dark brown eyes.
- It possesses long, lanceolate throat feathers called hackles that fan out into a prominent 'beard' when the bird calls.
- Unlike the more gregarious Little Raven, this species is strictly territorial and usually observed in pairs or small family units.
- A patch of bare, flesh-colored skin is located under the chin between the lower mandibles, though it is often obscured by feathers.
- The species is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of using its powerful bill to crack open hard-shelled invertebrates and scavenge carrion.
Habitat
Open woodlands, agricultural lands, coastal scrub, and urban environments.
Range
Southern and eastern Australia, extending from the tip of the Eyre Peninsula to southern Queensland.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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