Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
WoodlandCup nestMedium · 277 g
ID tip
The New Caledonian crow is a moderate-sized crow (40 centimetres (16 in) in length), similar in size to the house crow, but less slender-looking. The bird has an all-black appearance with a rich gloss to its feathers of purple, dark blue and some green in good light. The beak, feet and legs are all black. The beak is moderate in size but is unusual in that the tip of the lower mandible is angled upwards, making it somewhat chisel-like in profile. It has been suggested that this beak morphology evolved due to the selective pressure of needing to hold a tool straight.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the New Caledonian Crow
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 10 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the New Caledonian Crow
The map shades 1 country with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in France.
About the New Caledonian Crow
The New Caledonian crow is a medium-sized member of the family Corvidae, native to New Caledonia. The bird is often referred to as the 'qua-qua' due to its distinctive call. It eats a wide range of food, including many types of invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, small mammals, snails, nuts and seeds. The New Caledonian crow sometimes captures grubs in nooks or crevices by poking a twig at the grub to agitate it into biting the twig, which the crow then withdraws with the grub still attached. This method of feeding indicates the New Caledonian crow is capable of tool use. They are also able to make hooks.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Long-billed CrowCorvus validusThe long-billed crow is a large crow growing from 45 to 53 cm (18 to 21 in) in length including its relatively short tail.
Somali CrowCorvus edithaeThe Somali crow, or dwarf raven, is approximately the size of the carrion crow, Corvus corone but with a longer bill and a somewhat more brownish cast to the feathers, especially when worn.
Bismarck CrowCorvus insularisThe Bismarck crow is a species of crow found in the Bismarck Archipelago.
Learn the New Caledonian Crow in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.