Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Scientific name Corvus bennetti Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Genus Corvus Higher classification Crow | |
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Similar Crow family, Crow, Bird, White‑necked crow, Little raven | ||
The little crow (Corvus bennetti) is an Australian species of crow, very similar to the Torresian crow in having white bases to the neck and head feathers (shown when ruffled in strong wind) but slightly smaller (38–45 cm in length) and with a slightly smaller bill. It has the same white iris that distinguish the Australian species from all other Corvus except a few island species to the north of Australia, and one from Eurasia, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula). Like the Australian raven, this species has a blue ring around the pupil.
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Distribution and habitat
It ranges over western and central Australia, often inhabiting very dry, near desert areas. It frequents small country towns and cultivated areas, where its flocks have reminded people of the European rook.
Diet
Its food is mainly taken from the ground and includes insects, cereals and other seeds. It is less of a scavenger than the Torresian crow.
Nesting
It usually nests in small, loose colonies, building stick nests lined with mud (the only Australian species of Corvid to do this).
Call
The Little Crow's calls ranges from a harsh "'hark-hark-hark-hark'" to a more raven like "'ah-ah-ah'".