Mariana Crow

Corvus kubaryi

The Mariana Crow, or 'Aga' in Chamorro, is a sleek and intelligent member of the Corvidae family, endemic to the Mariana Islands. This medium-sized crow typically measures 38-41 cm (15-16 inches) in length, featuring entirely glossy black plumage that often exhibits stunning iridescent sheens of blue, purple, and green under good lighting. Its distinctive field marks include its all-black appearance, a relatively slender body compared to some continental crows, and a heavy, slightly arched bl...

Habitat

Found primarily in native limestone and secondary forests, often tolerating disturbed areas adjacent to forest patches for foraging, typically at low to mid-elevations.

Diet

Omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of insects (spiders, beetles, orthopterans), native and introduced fruits, seeds, and occasionally eggs, nestlings, or small lizards.

Behavior

Mariana Crows are diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day and gathering in family groups or small flocks to roost communally at night. Their foraging strategies are diverse; they glean insects from bark and foliage, forage on the ground for fallen fruits and seeds, and are known to take egg...

Range

The Mariana Crow is endemic to the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific. Historically, its breeding range encompassed the islands of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. However, due to the devastating impact of the introduced Brown Tree Snake, the species is now extirpated from Guam. Remaining wild...

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Fun Facts

- The Mariana Crow is one of the most endangered crow species in the world, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. - They are endemic to the Mariana Islands, a small archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. - Known locally as 'Aga' by the indigenous Chamorro people, reflecting their hi...

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