SPC·02
Thick-billed Raven
Corvus crassirostris
Ethiopian Highlands
LC Least Concern (LC) · BirdLife International 2020
The Thick-billed Raven (Corvus crassirostris) is a massive corvid — 60–70 cm long, weighing up to 1,500 g — endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is identified by its enormous arched bill with a white tip and a pale nape patch.
Quick Facts
- Length
- 60–70 (avg 64) cm
- Wingspan
- up to 150 cm
- Weight
- 1,150–1,500 g
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern (LC)
- Range
- Endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea and northern Somalia; largely above 1,500 m.
- Habitat
- High-altitude grasslands, cliffs, villages and towns in the Ethiopian highlands.
- Diet
- Omnivore: carrion, offal, invertebrates, plant material; frequently scavenges around human settlements.
- Voice
- Deep croaking calls similar to Common Raven; also hoarse barks.
Field Marks — How to Identify Thick-billed Raven
- Enormous arched bill — proportionally the largest of any raven, with a white tip.
- Pale patch on the back of the neck (nape), visible at close range.
- Size: rivals the Common Raven as the world's largest corvid.
- Deep, resonant croak; often heard before seen at altitude.
Behaviour
Sociable around towns and refuse sites; pairs year-round. Strongly associated with human settlements in highland Ethiopia, where it has little fear of people. Breeds on cliff ledges.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Restricted range but stable population within highland Ethiopia and Eritrea. No major threats identified.
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Thick-billed Raven live?
The Thick-billed Raven is found only in the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea and northern Somalia, mostly above 1,500 m elevation. It is one of the most range-restricted ravens in the world.
What makes the Thick-billed Raven's bill special?
Its bill is proportionally the largest of any raven, deeply arched and strongly curved, with a white tip on the upper mandible. This distinguishes it from all other ravens.
Sources
- BirdLife International (2020). Corvus crassirostris. IUCN Red List 2020. — IUCN status, range
- Madge, S. & Burn, H. (1994). Crows and Jays. Christopher Helm, London. — size, field marks