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ravens & crows

Australian Raven

Australian Raven

The populations of Australian Ravens in built-up areas have increased greatly in recent years. Like Silver Gulls and Australian White Ibis, the number of ravens has boomed because of the proliferation of refuse generated by our materialistic, disposable society. The degree of the population’s expansion is difficult to quantify — unlike gulls and ibis, ravens do not nest colonially, making it difficult to gauge the increase. It seems that by looking at the number of ravens regularly congregating at rubbish tips, it may be substantial. Australian Ravens are black with white eyes in adults. The feathers on the throat (hackles) are longer than in other species, and a bird tends to extend these when calling, while holding its head and body in a horizontal position. Australian Ravens are usually seen in pairs. Another aid to identification of this species is the absence of wing-flicking while calling. Young birds resemble the adults, but have dark eyes, shorter throat hackles and often the presence of a pink, fleshy gape. This species is sometimes called a crow. The Family Corvidae has a wide-ranging diet that may consist of grains, fruits, insects, small animals, eggs, refuse and carrion; however, the Australian Raven is mainly carnivorous. Australian Ravens construct a large untidy nest, normally consisting of bowl or platform of sticks, lined with grasses, bark and feathers. Both sexes construct the nest and feed the young. The incubation of the eggs is performed solely by the female, and only one brood is raised in a year. (Source: Birdlife Australia, n.d.), (Image: arronsphoto/Flikr.).

Little Raven

Little Raven

Smaller than the Australian Crow with a short stubby bill and neck. Hackles fairly long and noticible when calling. Heavily feathered legs. Entirely black with white eye. Bill, legs and feet black. They are found in grassland, open habitats and pastures. They roost in nearby dry open woodlands. The Little Raven is sedentary for 3 months while breeding. After fledging, they rejoin a large flock and can either remain in the area or travel widely within range. They feed on insects, small birds, eggs, nestlings, carrion, occasionally seeds and fruit. They build large nests of sticks together. They often gather where humans are. (Source: Birdlife Australia, n.d.).