Long-billed Crow
Corvus validus
A distinctive crow with a strikingly long bill, noticeable even in flight. Adults have purple-glossed blackish plumage and a prominent pale eye. Juveniles are dark-eyed and lack gloss. Occurs in the canopy of any areas with trees, where it is typically seen in small, active, vociferous groups. Restricted to the north Moluccas. Noticeably longer-billed than local Torresian Crows. Gives high-pitched “krak-krak-krak” calls repeatedly and often.
Identification
The long-billed crow is a large crow growing from 45 to 53 cm (18 to 21 in) in length including its relatively short tail. The large bill tapers from a broad base and is black, as are the legs and feet. The plumage is glossy and entirely black. The call of this crow has been likened to the yapping of a puppy "cruk ... cruk ... cruk".<p>The long-billed crow can be differentiated from other crows by its large size and glossy plumage, its long beak and its white iris. The only other crow within its range is the Torresian crow (Corvus orru) which has a much smaller beak and inhabits more open areas rather than forests.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Corvus validus
- Authority
- Bonaparte, 1850
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Corvus
Range and habitat
The long-billed crow is endemic to the Maluku Islands, an archipelago within Indonesia. It is a forest-dwelling bird and is mainly found on the islands of Morotai, Obira, Kayoa, Kasiruta, Bacan and Halmahera.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Platyrinchus cancrominus
Tiny ‘cute’ flycatcher found in fairly open but shady understory of tropical lowland forest, mainly in humid areas. Appearance is distinctive, with brownish upperparts, striking face pattern, and stubby tail. Can be quite common but easily overlooked. Usually draws attention by its bright, nasal chi-dik or chi-di-dik call, usually given just after a short flight, after which it sits still and is frustratingly difficult to see.
Southern Martin
Progne elegans
Large swallow with pointed wings and slightly forked tail. Males are deep iridescent purple; females are also entirely dark, but are brownish below, with faint scaling. Migrates within South America; at some times of year, occurs with other very similar martin species, making identification difficult. Females lack the light belly of similar Purple and Gray-breasted Martins; males essentially indistinguishable from Purple Martin.
Black-whiskered Vireo
Vireo altiloquus
Large vireo, nearly identical in plumage to Red-eyed Vireo but slightly duller and browner. Drab olive-greenish above and white below with gray cap, white eyebrow, and brown eye. Telltale black whisker mark often difficult to see, but is diagnostic. Hooked bill is rather long for a vireo. Primarily a Caribbean species; exact extent of wintering range in South America is poorly known. Limited range in U.S.; breeds in scrubby mangrove forests in Florida. Can be difficult to spot in dense foliage, but listen for song: repeated two- or three-parted chirping phrases that are vaguely reminiscent of a more musical House Sparrow.
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