Large-billed crow facts for kids
The large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) is a smart and interesting type of crow. You can find these birds across a wide area in East Asia. They live in many different places, from busy cities to quiet forests.
Sometimes, people might mistake a large-billed crow for a raven. While they look a bit similar, they are different species. This crow is quite common and its numbers are stable, so it is listed as being of least concern. This means it is a safe and thriving bird species.
This crow is also known by another name: the jungle crow. In Japan, people used to call it the 'gorilla crow'. This funny nickname came about because of how it looked when perched, perhaps reminding people of a gorilla's strong build.
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What Makes Them Special?
The large-billed crow is known for its strong, thick beak. This beak helps it to eat many different kinds of food. These crows are very adaptable and can live in many environments. They are often seen in parks, farmlands, and even big cities.
Appearance and Size
Large-billed crows are medium to large-sized birds. They have shiny black feathers that can look blue or purple in the sunlight. Their beaks are very noticeable, being thick and slightly curved. This is how they get their name!
They can grow to be about 50 to 59 centimeters (20 to 23 inches) long. Their wingspan can reach up to 100 centimeters (39 inches). They are quite big birds, especially when you see them flying.
Where Do They Live?
These crows live in many parts of Asia. Their home range stretches from Japan and Korea in the east, across China, and down to Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. They can also be found in parts of India and Nepal.
They are very good at living in different habitats. You might see them in dense forests, open fields, or even busy urban areas. They are very common in cities, where they often look for food.
Crow Behavior
Large-billed crows are very intelligent birds. They are known for their clever ways of finding food and solving problems. They often live in groups, especially when looking for food or roosting at night.
What Do They Eat?
These crows are omnivores, which means they eat almost anything! Their diet includes grains, fruits, insects, small animals, and even eggs from other birds. They are also scavengers, meaning they will eat leftover food or dead animals.
In cities, they are often seen looking through trash cans for food. Their strong beaks are perfect for breaking open nuts or tearing apart food items.
Communication and Sounds
Large-billed crows make a variety of sounds. Their most common call is a loud, harsh "caw-caw." They use different calls to warn others of danger, to find mates, or to communicate within their group. They can also mimic other sounds they hear around them.
Nesting and Reproduction
Large-billed crows build their nests high up in trees. They use sticks, twigs, and other plant materials to make a strong, cup-shaped nest. Both the male and female crow help to build the nest and raise their young.
A female crow usually lays about 3 to 5 eggs. The eggs are typically pale blue or green with brown spots. The parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. Once the chicks hatch, both parents work hard to feed and protect them until they are old enough to fly on their own.
Crows and Humans
Large-billed crows often live close to humans. They are very adaptable and have learned to live successfully in human environments. While some people might find them noisy, many others enjoy watching their clever behaviors.
These crows play a role in their ecosystems. They help to clean up by eating dead animals and leftover food. Their intelligence and adaptability make them fascinating birds to observe in the wild.
Images for kids
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A crow or raven scavenging on a dead shark.
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A clutch of large-billed crow eggs in the Philippines. This nest was only 8 meters from the ground.
See also
In Spanish: Cuervo picudo para niños
