Alternative name: White-necked Crow
- Corvus pectoralis
Corvus torquatus
Identification
50-55 cm. A distinctive pied crow.
- Most of plumage black with purplish, bluish and greenish gloss
- Wide white collar extending over nape, upper mantle, side of neck and across lower breast.
- Dark brown iris
- Black bill and legs
Sexes similar.
Distribution
Found in central, east and southeast China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam.
Has apparently declined during the late twentieth century. In recent years up to 100 individuals have been recorded going to roost at Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. Poorly studied.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
May form a superspecies with Carrion Crow.
The scientific name was formerly torquatus but this name is invalid as it was preoccupied.
Habitat
Favours wetland habitats. The Hong Kong population is mostly coastal.
Plains, low lying river valleys, cultivated regions and paddy fields. Avoids habitat of Large-billed Crow.
Behaviour
Usually solitary. Sometimes seen associating with Large-billed Crow and Daurian Jackdaw.
The diet includes insects, molluscs, invertebrates, and grains.
The breeding season is from February to March in south China. Its mud nest is in a tree; 3-4 eggs are laid.
A resident species.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Collared Crow. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Collared_Crow
