Australia has 5 corvids – 3 ravens and 2 crows. This family of birds is considered the most intelligent. The Australian Raven occurs in this region, as well as the Forest Raven (larger) and the Little Raven (smaller). All of them are black, including the beak and legs with white eyes. The main distinguishing feature of Australian Ravens is the feathers under their throat that form a shaggy bunch known as hackles as they make their call of “aah-aah-aaaaahhh”.

They eat carrion, insects, small reptiles, eggs, nestlings, seeds, fruit and rubbish and scraps in urban areas. They lay 4 to 5 pale green eggs splotched with darker markings. Incubation of the eggs is done solely by the female.

Size: 48 - 52 cm

Photo and Illustration: Marl Trinham.