From Opus

Photo by GAGA
Photo taken: Brownsville, S Texas.

Corvus imparatus

[edit] Identification :

The Tamaulipas Crow is a small crow (38 cm), very shiny in appearance, black overall but with a purplish tint above and purplish to bluish-green gloss underneath. The bill is small and short. Its call is much like that of the Fish Crow, but Fish Crows are not found in this region.

[edit] Distribution

Range extends primarily through the Tamaulipas region of Mexico, reaching into extreme southern Texas, into the lower Rio Grande Valley, most records are in the town of Brownsville. It is common within its range, but its range is very limited.

[edit] Taxonomy

It is the counterpart of the Sinaloa Crow of the Pacific slope; in fact, the two are considered conspecific by some. This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

It is found in open and semi-open woodlands and lowland scrubby farmland, sometimes in semi-desert habitats. It may be found in villages and ranches

[edit] Behaviour

In southeastern Texas, it is found primarily around the garbage dump at Brownsville. Believed to nest in loose colonies. The nest is a platform or shallow basket made from sticks and plant materials, with soft material lining the inside. It is usually in a tree. Typically, four eggs are laid in early April. The Tamaulipas Crow scavenges for refuse and eats carrion, insects, and seeds, and, like other crows, it likely also eats other birds, eggs, berries, and nuts.

Voice: Call a very rough, nasal, flat burp/croak brraarp usually in series: brraap brraap brraap.

[edit] External Links