Corvus bennetti
The Little Crow (Corvus bennetti) is a distinctly smaller member of the Corvidae family, endemic to arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia. Measuring typically 42-47 cm in length with a wingspan of 70-80 cm and weighing around 300-500g, its plumage is entirely glossy black, often with a subtle blue-purple sheen in good light, and features white feather bases on the neck visible when ruffled. A key field mark distinguishing it from other Australian corvids, particularly the similar but...
Occupies open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands in arid and semi-arid inland Australia, particularly preferring areas with scattered trees for nesting and roosting, typically below 500m elevation.
Omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming a wide range of invertebrates (especially insects), seeds, grains, fruits, carrion, and occasionally small vertebrates, primarily foraging on the ground.
Little Crows are highly social and diurnal birds, often forming large flocks of hundreds, sometimes thousands, outside the breeding season, which gather at prominent communal roosts. Foraging primarily occurs on the ground, where they walk methodically, gleaning insects, seeds, and carrion, emplo...
The Little Crow is endemic to mainland Australia, primarily occupying the arid and semi-arid interior. Its breeding range encompasses much of inland Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, western Queensland, and northwestern New South Wales. While generally resident within it...
Least Concern
- The Little Crow is one of the smallest true crow species globally, making its common name highly appropriate for its size relative to other Australian corvids. - It is one of only two crow species endemic to Australia, alongside the Forest Raven, though the Torresian Crow also occurs in Austral...