SPC·09
Forest Raven
Corvus tasmanicus
Tasmania and Southeast Australia
LC Least Concern (LC) · BirdLife International 2020
The Forest Raven (Corvus tasmanicus) is Tasmania's largest corvid — 50–53 cm long — and is identified by its notably heavy bill, shorter tail and deep, slow "korr-korr" call. A small population also survives in the Snowy Mountains on the Australian mainland.
Quick Facts
- Length
- 50–53 cm
- Wingspan
- 100–118 (estimated) cm
- Weight
- 650–780 (estimated) g
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern (LC)
- Range
- Tasmania (throughout); small isolated population in the Snowy Mountains and northeast Victoria on mainland Australia.
- Habitat
- Wet and dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, farmland; also coasts in Tasmania.
- Diet
- Omnivore: invertebrates, small vertebrates, carrion, berries, grain.
- Voice
- Deep, slow, resonant "korr-korr" — deeper and slower than Australian Raven and Little Raven.
Field Marks — How to Identify Forest Raven
- Heavier, deeper bill than other Australian ravens.
- Relatively short tail — shorter than Australian Raven for its body length.
- White iris (as in all adult Australian Corvus).
- Deep, slow call — the most useful field mark in Tasmania.
- Largest corvid in Tasmania.
Behaviour
Territorial pairs year-round. In Tasmania often seen along roadsides scavenging roadkill. Nests in tall trees or cliff ledges. Molecular studies show Forest Raven and Little Raven are each other's closest relatives, not closest to Australian Raven.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Common throughout Tasmania; the small mainland population is more restricted. Protected under Australian and Tasmanian law.
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Forest Raven found outside Tasmania?
Yes, but just barely. A small, isolated population inhabits the Snowy Mountains area of southeast mainland Australia (northeast Victoria and southern New South Wales). The main population is throughout Tasmania.
Sources
- BirdLife International (2020). Corvus tasmanicus. IUCN Red List 2020. — IUCN status, range
- Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. & Cowling, S.J. (eds) (2006). HANZAB Vol 7. Oxford University Press. — size, field marks, behaviour, voice