Compare · Australian Corvids
Australian Raven vs Little Raven
Corvus coronoides vs Corvus mellori
[science] Both species are large all-black corvids that overlap in south-eastern Australia. The best features: Australian Raven has very prominent long throat hackles and a wailing descending call; Little Raven wing-flicks on landing and has a faster, less mournful call. Both have white iris as adults. Size overlap is too great to rely on alone.
At a Glance
| Feature | Australian Raven | Little Raven |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 46–53 cm | 48–50 cm |
| Throat hackles | Very prominent — long, shaggy | Present but shorter; less prominent |
| Eye colour | White iris (adult) | White iris (adult) |
| Wing-flicking | Not characteristic | Flicks wings on landing — diagnostic |
| Call | Wailing, long, descending at end | Faster, shorter, more clipped — less mournful |
| Tail | Fan-shaped | Fan-shaped (shorter than Australian Raven proportionally) |
| Habitat | Widespread; cities, woodland, coast, outback | SE Australia; more montane and nomadic; large winter flocks |
| Range | All Australia except Tasmania | Victoria, SE SA, SE NSW, SW WA |
Throat Hackles
[science] Both species have throat hackles (elongated pointed feathers on the throat and upper chest), but:
- Australian Raven: Hackles are very prominent, long, and shaggy — they droop conspicuously forward when the bird calls
- Little Raven: Hackles present but shorter and less prominent; the bird has a "neater" throat appearance
When an Australian Raven throws its head back and calls, the flowing hackles are immediately distinctive. This feature is reliable but requires a reasonable view.1
Wing-Flicking — The Little Raven's Diagnostic Habit
[science] Little Ravens have a habit of flicking both wings over the back simultaneously on landing — a quick, repeated gesture performed several times after alighting. This habit is:
- Characteristic and consistent in Little Ravens
- Not performed by Australian Ravens (or other Australian corvids consistently)
- Visible at reasonable distance
- The single most useful behavioural identification feature for the two species
Once seen, the wing-flick is unmistakable. It is worth watching any perched crow-like bird in SE Australia for this behaviour when corvid identification is uncertain.1
Call
[science]
- Australian Raven: A distinctive wailing call — often described as "aah-aah-aaaah" or "oaah-oaah-aaaah," long in duration, with the last syllable drawn out in a mournful descending wail. Unmistakable once heard.
- Little Raven: A faster, shorter, more clipped series of calls — not mournful or wailing; similar pattern to Australian Raven but quicker and lacking the characteristic descending end. Also a harsh "korrk" or "karrk."
Call is very reliable for experienced observers. The Australian Raven's distinctive wail is one of the most characteristic sounds in Australian bird life.1
Range and Habitat
[science]
- Australian Raven: The most widespread Australian corvid — found throughout mainland Australia but absent from Tasmania; occupies a huge range of habitats including urban centres of all major mainland cities
- Little Raven: Restricted to south-eastern Australia (Victoria, SE South Australia, SE NSW, SW Western Australia); more nomadic; forms large winter flocks in agricultural areas; more common at altitude than Australian Raven in some areas
Outside south-eastern Australia, any large Australian corvid is likely an Australian Raven. In south-eastern Victoria and suburban Melbourne, both species may be present and the identification features above are essential.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell an Australian Raven from a Little Raven?
Key identification features: (1) Australian Raven has very prominent elongated throat hackles; Little Raven has shorter, less prominent hackles. (2) Little Raven wing-flicks on landing — a reliable behavioural feature. (3) Call: Australian Raven gives a distinctive wailing, descending "aah-aah-aah" ending in a mournful droop; Little Raven gives a shorter, more clipped, faster call. (4) Size: Australian Raven is slightly larger (46–53 cm vs 48–50 cm for Little Raven — overlap considerable). (5) Iris: both have white iris as adults.
Sources
- Madge, S. & Burn, H. (1994). Crows and Jays. Christopher Helm. — species accounts for Australian Raven and Little Raven; identification features.
[science] field-guide data