Corvus mellori
The Little Raven (*Corvus mellori*) is a sleek, medium-sized corvid endemic to southeastern Australia, often recognized by its entirely glossy black plumage, including legs, bill, and feet. Adults possess distinctive whitish-blue to white irises, which contrast sharply with their dark feathers, while juveniles have blue eyes that transition to brown before maturing to white. Measuring approximately 48-50 cm (19-20 in) in length and weighing between 400-500 grams (14-18 oz), it is the smallest...
Little Ravens primarily inhabit open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas, ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters in elevation.
Little Ravens are omnivorous and highly opportunistic, feeding predominantly on invertebrates (especially insect larvae and adults), seeds, grains, carrion, small vertebrates, and fruit. They primarily forage on the ground, probing soil and turning over debris.
Little Ravens are highly diurnal and gregarious birds, often forming large communal roosts outside the breeding season, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Their foraging strategy is largely terrestrial; they are often seen walking confidently across open ground, gleaning insects, seeds, and ca...
The Little Raven is endemic to southeastern Australia, with its primary range encompassing Victoria, New South Wales south of the Great Dividing Range, the southeastern corner of South Australia, and extending into eastern Tasmania. It is largely non-migratory, maintaining a resident presence thr...
Least Concern
- The Little Raven is the smallest of Australia's five endemic raven and crow species, making size a key identification feature. - Unlike its larger cousin, the Australian Raven, the Little Raven has noticeably shorter throat hackles, appearing 'neater' under the chin. - Its distinctive call is a...