Forest Raven

1. Large, robust corvid with a massive, heavy bill

2. Entirely glossy black with white eyes in adults; brown to hazel in juveniles

3. Deep, slow, guttural call (“korr-korr-korr-korr”) and no wing flicking when calling

Forest Ravens are omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on insects, earthworms, carrion (including roadkill and beachcast marine life), fruit, grain, and occasionally small birds, eggs, and mammals. They are known to cache surplus food and have been observed using cunning to prey on birds as large as Silver Gulls. These birds forage mainly on the ground and are often seen patrolling roadsides, beaches, and open areas adjacent to forests. Breeding occurs in spring and summer, with the season starting later in Tasmania than on the mainland. The nest is a large bowl of sticks high in a tree, with females incubating 4–5 eggs and both parents feeding the chicks. Forest Ravens are sedentary, with pairs bonding for life and defending their territories vigorously.

Forest Ravens are widespread and common throughout Tasmania (where they are the only resident corvid), and occur in southern Victoria, parts of southeastern South Australia, and isolated populations in coastal and montane northern New South Wales. In Tasmania, they inhabit a broad range of environments, from dense forests and mountains to farmland, coastal areas, and even town fringes. On the mainland, they are more often found in closed forests, including wet and dry sclerophyll forests and temperate rainforests, as well as pine plantations. They are sedentary, with pairs defending permanent territories, and are often seen perched prominently at dawn and dusk.