Distribution Map
White-winged Chough
Corcorax melanorhamphos
EndemicStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The White-winged Chough *(Corcorax melanorhamphos)* is a native Australian bird often mistaken for a crow due to its large size and black plumage. This social bird is recognised by its red eyes and its habit of moving in family groups, displaying a characteristic ground-foraging behaviour.
Fun Facts
Their mud nests are structurally robust and can take weeks or months to complete depending on rainfall.
1. Red eyes (developing over time) and a decurved bill distinguish it from crows and ravens.
2. White wing patches are visible only during flight.
3. Typically seen in family groups of 7–2 birds foraging on the ground.
White-winged Choughs are cooperative breeders, with family groups working together to build large mud bowl nests on horizontal branches. Juveniles remain with their parents for up to four years, assisting with nest building, incubation, and chick-rearing. Groups occasionally “kidnap” fledglings from neighboring families to increase their numbers, which improves breeding success.
White-winged Choughs inhabit open eucalypt woodlands and forests across eastern and southeastern Australia. They prefer areas with sparse undergrowth and ample leaf litter for foraging. These birds are active during daylight hours, particularly mid-morning when they search for insects and seeds on the ground. Their mournful descending whistle often signals their presence before they are seen.
Physical Attributes
Height
45 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds84%
Top Locations
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