Corvus philippinus
The Philippine Jungle Crow (*Corvus philippinus*) is a striking, medium-sized corvid, predominantly covered in lustrous, glossy black plumage that often exhibits purple or blue iridescence in sunlight. Adults typically measure between 46-52 cm in length with a robust, slightly arched black bill and sturdy black legs and feet. This species lacks significant sexual dimorphism in coloration, though males may be marginally larger than females. It is distinguished from the sympatric Slender-billed...
This adaptable species inhabits a wide range of environments, from primary and secondary forests to forest edges, cultivated lands, and even urban parks. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
An opportunistic omnivore, the Philippine Jungle Crow consumes a varied diet including large insects, small vertebrates, eggs, nestlings, fruits, seeds, carrion, and human food scraps. It forages actively, both on the ground and in trees, probing and gleaning.
Philippine Jungle Crows are highly intelligent and social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups, though larger communal roosts may form outside the breeding season. They are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging both on the ground and within the forest canopy, employing a var...
The Philippine Jungle Crow is endemic to the Philippines, where it is a widespread and common resident throughout the archipelago. Its distribution encompasses all major islands, including Luzon, Mindanao, Palawan, Mindoro, Cebu, Panay, Negros, Leyte, Samar, and many smaller islands. This species...
Least Concern
- The Philippine Jungle Crow was only recently recognized as a full species in 2020, having previously been considered a subspecies of the widespread Large-billed Crow. - These highly intelligent birds are known to mimic calls of other birds and even human speech, though less commonly than parrot...