White-necked Raven
Corvus albicollis
The White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis) is a uncommon crows, jays, and magpi found in 13 countries, weighing about 894 g. The white-necked raven is a species of raven native to eastern and southern Africa.
About the White-necked Raven
The white-necked raven is a species of raven native to eastern and southern Africa. It is somewhat smaller than the common raven or its nearest relative, the thick-billed raven C. crassirostris.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
When to see it
The White-necked Raven can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-necked Raven?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-necked Raven?
- The White-necked Raven is a large sized bird weighing about 894 g.
- Where can you see a White-necked Raven?
- The White-necked Raven occurs in 13 countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Lesotho.
- What birds look similar to a White-necked Raven?
- The White-necked Raven is most easily confused with the Forest Raven, the Cape Crow and the Chihuahuan Raven.
- Is the White-necked Raven endangered?
- The White-necked Raven is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-necked Raven for real
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