- Corvus florensis
Identification
40cm. A small crow.
- Relatively long tail and broad, rounded wings
- Short, black bill with gently curving culmen. Very long nostrils concealed by dense nasal tuft.
- Purplish-black plumage
- Smoky grey base of neck feathers
- Dark brown iris
- Black legs
Sexes similar. Juveniles probably similar to adults.
Distribution
Endemic to Flores, Indonesia.
Now restricted to the rainforest at the extreme western tip of the island. No longer found in other parts of the islands. Endangered due forest destruction and possibly range expansion of Large-billed Crow.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Possibly closest related to Banggai Crow and Piping Crow.
Habitat
Lowland forests. Prefers primary and tall secondary forest along watercourses. Seen up to 950m.
Behaviour
Usually seen singly, in pairs or small family groups.
Diet
No information about diet. Feeds probably on small invertebrates and small fruits.
Breeding
Breeding season from September to January. The nest is made of sticks and placed around 12m above the ground in a tree. Lays 2 - 3 eggs. Sometimes parasitized by Channel-billed Cuckoo and probably also Common Koel.
Movements
A resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Flores Crow. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 3 June 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Flores_Crow