General Description

Large crow-sized black bird. Adults mostly black, white wing panel on outer half of upper and lower wing, usually visible only in flight. Long legs with feathered thighs, and distinctive red eye. Bill fairly slender and down-curved. Body 45 cm long with wingspan of 65 cm.

Biology

These birds spend most of their time on the ground, and walk and run strongly. They are often found in noisy groups. They are also known by their distinctive nests, which are large, deep bowls made of mud reinforced with grass or bark. They are sometimes mistaken for Currawongs, but the Currawongs have white under the base of the tail and white tail tips, as well as a yellow eye. They can also be mistaken for crows or ravens, but those birds lack the white wing patch. Their most distinctive difference from all of these birds is their red eye. They eat insects, seeds, fruit and shoots.

Distribution

Eastern and South-eastern mainland Australia.

Habitat

Dry woodlands near permanent water, such as streams or dams.

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