Torresian Crow

Scientific name: Corvus orru

Updated

28/07/23
Read time

2 minutes

Torresian Crow, Corvus orru Image: Jeff Melvaine
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Fast Facts

IUCN Conservation Status

LEAST CONCERN (LC)
Classification

Genus

Corvus

Species

orru

Family

Corvidae

Order

Passeriformes

Class

Aves

What do Torresian Crows look like?

Identification

The Torresian Crow is a large glossy black crow with short throat hackles (feathers). The feathers of the head and neck have white bases. The eye is white with a fine blue eye-ring. Immature birds are duller black with a brown eye. When landing, this species characteristically shuffles its wings. It will be seen outside breeding season in large flocks. It has also been called the Australian Crow.

Where do Torresian Crows live?

Habitat

The Torresian Crow is found on rainforest fringes, in open forests and woodlands, taller scrublands, beaches and in dry areas, along watercourses with tall timber. It is also found around farms and in croplands. It requires tall trees for nesting.

Distribution

The Torresian Crow is found across northern Australia and in Western Australia, from Geraldton to Norseman. It is more common in coastal and tropical areas, being only patchily distributed inland. It is also found in Papua New Guinea, the Moluccas and New Britain. It is the most common corvid (crow or raven) of coastal towns from Forster, New South Wales to Brisbane, Queensland and also in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

What do Torresian Crows eat and how do they communicate?

Feeding and diet

The Torresian Crow eats the most grain, compared with other corvids, but will also eat fruit, insects and other invertebrates, eggs, garbage and carrion (dead animals). Often seen feeding along roads. Perches on the heads of crop plants or on tall artificial structures.

Communication

Nasal, staccato caw: 'uk-uk-uk-uk', usually more than three notes. Also harsher 'arr-arr-arr' aggressive call.

What are Torresian Crows breeding behaviours?

Breeding Behaviour/s

The Torresian Crow forms monogamous breeding pairs that maintain a permanent territory. Both sexes build the nest, which is a bowl of sticks lined with grass, placed high in a tree (over 10 m) or artificial structure. The Torresian Crow's nest is made of finer material than the other corvid species'. Both parents share feeding duties.

Breeding Season: August to October in south; November to February in north.