SPC·08
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
Australia
LC Least Concern (LC) · BirdLife International 2020
The Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) is the largest corvid in Australia — 46–53 cm long — found across most of the mainland. It is identified by its white iris, long throat hackles and a distinctive wailing call with a drawn-out final note.
Quick Facts
- Length
- 46–53 cm
- Wingspan
- 100–120 (estimated) cm
- Weight
- 560–750 g
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern (LC)
- Range
- Most of mainland Australia, except the far north; most common in southeast Australia and around cities.
- Habitat
- Open woodland, farmland, grassland, coast, cities; the most urban Australian corvid.
- Diet
- Omnivore: carrion, invertebrates, small vertebrates, grain, refuse.
- Voice
- Loud, wailing "caw" with a characteristic drawn-out final note — the distinctive "aaah" falling away; unmistakable among Australian corvids.
Field Marks — How to Identify Australian Raven
- White iris — the most reliable field mark; all other large Australian corvids also have white eyes as adults, but the iris colour is diagnostic in context.
- Long throat hackles (lance-shaped feathers) — most prominent when calling.
- Blue-black gloss; slightly the largest of the three mainland Australian ravens.
- Throat hackles visibly longer and more prominent than in Little Raven or Forest Raven.
- Diagnostic call: wailing, drawn-out final note.
Behaviour
Territorial pairs year-round; non-breeders in loose flocks. Well adapted to urban environments; a familiar bird of Australian cities and towns. Builds large stick nests, usually high in a tree.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Widespread and common; benefits from agricultural land and urban expansion. Protected under Australian law (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act).
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify an Australian Raven?
The easiest mark is the call: a loud, wailing "caw" with the final note dragged out into a falling "aaah". The throat hackles are long and shaggy. The iris is white in adults.
Is the Australian Raven the same as the Common Raven?
No. The Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) is a distinct species found only in Australia. The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is not found in Australia at all. They share only the name "raven".
Sources
- BirdLife International (2020). Corvus coronoides. IUCN Red List 2020. — IUCN status, range
- Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. & Cowling, S.J. (eds) (2006). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol 7. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. — size, field marks, behaviour, voice