Picture in gallery, Cuban Crow or Cuban Palm Crow (1 Viewer)

[njlarsen]

The id of this photo has been brought forward as a possible mis-id:

Palm Crow

The Palm Crow is classified as Endangered. It is slightly smaller than Cuban Crow with shorter wings and elongated tufts over the upper mandible. It is often seen on the ground, as in this photo, where the Cuban Crow rarely if ever is seen and it...

www.birdforum.net

I have no personal experience so ask for input here.
Niels

 

[njlarsen]

A want to thank the 80 people who have viewed this
Niels

 

[Lisa W]

I can’t help, but will post to boost it.

 

[MiddleRiver]

https://ebird.org/species/cubcro1

https://ebird.org/species/cupcro1

Crows | Birds of Cuba | Cuban Birds

The crows are the second largest members in the corvidae family next to the ravens. These birds are scavengers and are known for their intelligence and wariness of man. - birds of Cuba.

www.birds-of-cuba.com

I struggled with this, during our recent visit. Although it is said that sound is the definitive way to tell them apart, the Cuban also appears to have a larger (almost Raven like) beak. It would also help to know region where it was seen.

That said, I would opine that this a Cuban Crow, based on photo (beak primarily). ymmv!

 

[MiddleRiver]

It's tough... but I called these as Cuban as well.
@Birding Havana may have useful input?

 

[njlarsen]

it is seen in a section of Cuba where both species occur. No help from geography!
Niels

 

[njlarsen]

It's tough... but I called these as Cuban as well.

View attachment 1570823

I think I can see the nostril on the upper bird. That should be confirmatory!
Please upload to the gallery here in Birdforum.
Niels

 

[MiddleRiver]

Regarding OP, you could also reach out to Gary Markowski [email protected] and either he will know or he could share with Nils Navarro (whose email I did not find), who would be a definitive authority.

 

[THE_FERN]

I originally raised this. I think it's Cuban for 2 reasons:

• apparent size/length of bill (long)
• Only a small, short fringe of nasal hairs along the culmen.

(Comments in the gallery suggest that Cuban is never found on the ground (as here). I think that's unlikely.)

 

[Andy Adcock]

That said, I would opine that this a Cuban Crow, based on photo (beak primarily). ymmv!

?

 

[delia todd]

?

Glad you asked Andy... it's probably obvious but....?

 

[MiddleRiver]

The beak just looks very large and 'matches' what I'm seeing in guides and other photographic depictions.
But I am not an expert and suggest review by someone who has seen lots of these birds ;-)

 

[lockbreeze926]

?

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Your mileage may vary.

What's the context, don't get the link at all?

 

[antbird53]

What's the context, don't get the link at all?

A quick Google search reveals ymmv " used, for example on social media and in text messages and emails, to mean that you understand people may have a different opinion or experience to yours: "

 

[MiddleRiver]

A quick Google search reveals ymmv " used, for example on social media and in text messages and emails, to mean that you understand people may have a different opinion or experience to yours: "

Yes, sorry I misunderstood question... As explained above, ymmv is merely a shorthand way of saying 'it's just my opinion and you may differ, get different results,...' etc. I thought the questioning was related to bird ID :-}

 

[njlarsen]

I have now heard back from Nils Navarro in Cuba, and he writes:

Based on this photo, it is definitely a Cuban Palm Crow. One key distinguishing feature is the bill gap, which extends just to the rear of the face, whereas in the Cuban Crow, it extends behind the eyes.

So a brand new field mark. I have not checked it against online photos, maybe tonight.
Niels

 

[MiddleRiver]

Lesson learned! Thanks ;-)

 

[njlarsen]

I have now heard back from Nils Navarro in Cuba, and he writes:

So a brand new field mark. I have not checked it against online photos, maybe tonight.
Niels

I looked at the signature photos at eBird, and it was good for every one of those.
Niels

 

[Butty]

I looked at the signature photos at eBird, and it was good for every one of those

I guess you mean photos of palm crow? I should actually be far more interested to have confirmed the other aspect of this (indeed, it's necessary to confirm it in order to confirm that this feature works), viz. that Cuban crow's gape is much longer and does extend back behind the eye - which seems extraordinarily long for a crow; and, importantly, that it can readily be seen to do so in photos/in the field - otherwise, the feature doesn't work. (Sorry - being lazy - I could check this myself but haven't.)