Bird Guide

Forest Raven vs White-necked Raven

Forest Raven (Corvus tasmanicus)

Forest Raven

Corvus tasmanicus

Large676 gWoodland

The largest of the Australian corvids, the adult forest raven is 50–53 cm (20–21 in) long with a wingspan of 91–113 cm (36–44 in) and weighing approximately 650 g (1.43 lb). There is no seasonal variation in plumage, which is entirely glossy black with a blue or green sheen visible on the upperparts. The wings are long and broad, with the largest of its ten primary feathers (usually the seventh but occasionally the eighth) almost reaching the end of the tail when at rest. The tail is rounded or wedge-shaped. It is quite short in Tasmanian populations but longer in northern New South Wales. Voice: The call is considered the most reliable means of identification in areas where the forest raven's range overlaps with other corvids. It is a deep and husky "korr-korr-korr-korr" with a similarly drawn out last note to the Australian raven. It can also utter a barking alarm call. The calls of juveniles have a higher pitch than those of adult birds.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jeremy James · CC BY 4.0
White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis)

White-necked Raven

Corvus albicollis

Large894 gRocky

The white-necked raven has a much shorter tail than the common raven, as well as a deeper bill with a white tip that is almost as strongly arched as that of the thick-billed raven. Though predominantly black, the throat, breast and neck show a faint purple gloss. There is a large patch of white feathers on the nape of the neck. It soars well, with shallower wingbeats than other Corvidae. Voice: Often described as a raven with a sore throat, it has very similar calls to the common raven, but with a more husky note. It has a croak like the other raven species but with a more whispering note. Like all corvids, the White-necked raven is capable of vocal mimicry. However, this behavior is only ever recorded in captivity.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: biogeek · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Forest Raven and White-necked Raven.