New Caledonian Crow (Corvus moneduloides)

The New Caledonian Crows (Corvus moneduloides) are found on the island of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands in the Pacific, where they occur in primary forests.

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New Caledonian Crow

Description

New Caledonian Crows measure about 40 cm in length – about the same size as the House Crow.

The plumage is a glossy black; as are the bill, legs and feet.

Diet / Feeding

These crows have been studied and identified as not only tool users, but also makers of tools, mostly for the purpose of retrieving food items out of their environment, such as using plant material to manufacture hooks or barbs for extracting grubs from inside logs and branches.

They feed on insects, eggs and nestlings, snails (which they drop from a height onto hard stones to break open), and various nuts and seeds.

Breeding / Nesting

Most breeding activity is observed from September to November. The nest is typically situated high in trees. The average clutch consists of 2 eggs.

Calls / Vocalizations

Their calls are described as soft waa-waa or wak-wak – occasionally as a hoarse waaaaw.

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