Ethiopian Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni
Justification This species has a small range, within which habitat alteration may now be having a detrimental effect on its population. It is therefore currently treated as Vulnerable.
Identification 30 cm. Small, starling-like crow. Pale grey head and body. Black wings and tail. Bare, blue skin around eye. Sexes similar, juvenile slightly more dingy. Similar spp. Non-breeding Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea is much smaller, with pale rump. Voice Harsh, rasping calls and chattering. Hints Occurs in groups of 4-10, often in association with White-crowned Starling Spreo albicapillus. Common in Acacia savanna north, south and west of Yavello town, southern Ethiopia.
Population estimate 10,000
Population trend decreasing (continuing)
Range estimate 4620 km2
Country endemic? Yes
Range & Population Zavattariornis stresemanni is confined to the area around Yavello and Mega, southern Ethiopia. No population estimate has been made, but brief surveys in 1989 suggested densities had remained constant through the 1980s. Surveys in 1996 found the species to be common within its restricted range.
Ecology It is found in open, semi-arid areas of short-grass savanna with scattered low Acacia bushes at c.1,700 m 1, including the vicinity of towns2. It feeds on insects and, outside the breeding season, is gregarious1. Breeding takes place in February/March, and may involve cooperation with extra-pair individuals. The normal nest-site is in the top of an Acacia bush (c.6 m high) and clutch-size is up to six. It has been recorded breeding in May/June, which would indicate either that birds are double-brooded or have an extended breeding season. The reasons for the species's restricted range are unclear.
Threats Surveys in 1996 found the species was not under any particular threat, despite land-use changes in recent years. The partial clearance of dense Acacia scrub to allow grass-growth for cattle does not appear to have affected the species and may even benefit it. However, recent research indicates that tall Acacia bushes, in which this species nests, are being cleared intensively (for both firewood and grazing land), and this may now be having a negative impact on the species.
Action A detailed study of this species's ecology is currently underway and any threats will be identified and evaluated in more detail. Yavello Sanctuary (c.2,500 km) was designated in 1985 to protect this species and White-tailed Swallow Hirundo megaensis, but has not yet been gazetted and there is no active management. Responsibility for protected areas has now passed to the Regional Government, so it is hoped that collaboration between Regional and Zonal Governments and local communities may result in more substantive protection.
