Cuban Palm-Crow
Corvus minutus
Endemic to Cuba. A large, all-black, gregarious species of open woodlands, scrub, and palm savannahs; often found in flocks of up to fifty birds. Note this species’ relatively short, stout bill with extensive feathering on top. Compare with Cuban Crow, which has longer bill with less extensive feathering on top. Vocalizations are predominantly a flat, nasal “raaah,” which is rather different from any of the various calls of Cuban Crow.
Taxonomy
The Cuban palm crow was formally described in 1852 under the binomial name Corvus minutus by the German born ornithologist Juan Gundlach. The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised. The Cuban palm crow was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Hispaniolan palm crow (Corvus palmarum).<p>The following cladogram is based on phylogenetic study of the Corvidae by Knud Jønsson and collaborators that was published in 2012.
- Scientific name
- Corvus minutus
- Authority
- Gundlach, 1852
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Corvus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Somali Starling
Onychognathus blythii
A large glossy-black starling with a strong bill. The very long and pointed tail and large red wing panels are conspicuous in flight. Males have a dark head and females a contrastingly pale-gray one. Found around cliffs and other rocky areas in a wide variety of dry habitats. Most similar to Slender-billed Starling, but generally found in drier habitats, and has a thicker bill and a more pointed tail. Also similar to Socotra and Red-winged Starlings, but has a much longer and more pointed tail. Gives scratchy calls and more musical whistles.
Gray-headed Nigrita
Nigrita canicapillus
Pretty little black-and-gray nigrita. In most of the range, has a white line on the head and white spotting on the wing, but the subspecies in the west of the range is darker and lacks these. Found in rainforest, gallery forest, and edge and secondary habitats. Usually sings from the canopy, but sometimes feeds low. The song consists of mournful whistles in an up-and-down pattern. Similar to Pale-fronted Nigrita, but larger, and with more black on the forehead. Eastern and central African birds are further separated by their white wing spots.
Rufous-vented Tit
Periparus rubidiventris
An active and social small bird of broadleaf and mixed forests, usually in hilly regions. Thin, rather turnip-like crest is often held vertically. Gray with a black head marked by bright white cheek patches. May be confused with Coal Tit, but has a less wispy crest, lacks wingbars, and averages darker and more contrasting overall. Gives high thin calls, often heard as a flock whizzes overhead.
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