- Corvus leucognaphalus
Identification
42 - 46cm. The largest of the Carribbean crows.
- Black plumage with a bluish-purple gloss
- Long, deep, black bill which curves gently downward to the tip
- Patch of dark grey bare skin behind the eye, base of lower mandible with a bare strip of the same coloured skin
- Distinctive reddish ochre iris
- Black legs and feet
Sexes similar, juveniles are duller than adults.
Distribution
Endemic to Hispaniola.
This species was once more widespread. Destruction of its habitat and extensive hunting led to its extinction in Puerto Rico in 1963. The population decline continues and it's now classified as vulnerable.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
May form a superspecies with Cuban Crow and Jamaican Crow.
Habitat
Old and mature lowland and mountain forest.
Behaviour
The diet includes a large amount of fruit but a degree of invertebrate food is also taken especially when feeding young.
Formerly seen in large flocks, now big flocks are rare.
Breeding season from February to June. The nest is a platform made of sticks and placed high in a tree. Lays 3 - 4 eggs. No other information about breeding.
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) White-necked Crow. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 1 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-necked_Crow
