Torresian Crow vs Australian Crow

Torresian Crow

Corvus orru

Also known as: Australian Crow, Papuan Crow

How to recognise a Torresian crow?

General appearance

The Torresian Crow (Corvus orru) is a large black bird with a slightly curved bill and black feathers that may display a bluish-purple sheen in direct sunlight. Its eyes are stark white or grey, surrounded by a ring of bare skin, a prominent feature. They are approximately 50-55cm in length, with a wingspan of around 1 metre.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism within the Torresian Crow species. However, males are typically slightly larger than females, but this difference is subtle and can be difficult to discern in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile Torresian Crows resemble adults but their eyes are blue-grey at the initial stage. The plumage is slightly duller and lacks the adult's sheen. The bill of a juvenile crow is typically shorter and the bare skin around their eyes develops as they mature.

Size

18.9 - 20.9 in/15.2 - 24.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Torresian crow inhabits a wide range of habitats including forest edges, woodlands, grasslands, and mangroves mainly in Northern and Eastern Australia.

Additional range

This crow species is capable of inhabiting urban areas. It has adapted well to a variety of climates, from the tropics to temperate regions.

Range Map

What do Torresian crows like to eat?

Natural diet

The Torresian crow is an omnivorous bird that includes a wide range of food sources in its natural diet. It primarily feeds on insects, small mammals, and eggs. This crow also consumes a variety of plant matter such as seeds, berries, and fruits. It often forages on the ground for invertebrates, carrion, and discarded human food.

Bird feeders

While the Torresian crow is not a frequent visitor to bird feeders, it may occasionally be attracted to them, particularly if they offer fatty or energy-rich foods. These crows may consume suet, peanuts, and other nuts, as well as any available fruit pieces. Additionally, they might scavenge for various bird seed mixes, although this is less common.

What does a Torresian crow sound like?

The Torresian crow, a common Australian bird, has a deep, resonant "ark-ark-ark" or "aw-aw-aw" call that’s distinctive and can go on for several seconds. These crows are clever mimics and their vocalizations may also include a range of noises, including human speech, if trained. Their songs, however, aren't as melodious and typically consist of longer sequences of the same raspy caw, often used to communicate with each other over distance.

Call

Audio by 7575u

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Australian Crow

Corvus

How to recognise an Australian crow?

General appearance

Australian crows are large, robust birds, often mistaken for ravens due to their pitch-black feathers which display a slightly glossy sheen. White patches of feathers are rare but can occur. They have solid muscular legs and stout black beaks.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism in the Australian crow species making it hard to differentiate between males and females. Size tends not to be a reliable indicator of sex, as both are generally of similar size. However, vocalizations can be a good hint since females generally have higher-pitched calls than males.

Juvenile

Juvenile Australian crows resemble adults in their dark feather coloration yet are slightly smaller in size. Their eyes gradually change color from blue or grey in fledglings to the adult crow's characteristic white as they mature.

Size

16.9 - 21.3 in/9.9 - 28.9 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Australian crow primarily inhabits woodlands, forests, and suburban areas throughout Australia.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, it’s also found in drier areas like deserts, adapting well to various climates from tropical to temperate.

Range Map

What do Australian crows like to eat?

Natural diet

Australian crows have an omnivorous diet. They consume a variety of foods including insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, and carrion. They are known for their adaptability and can eat almost anything available in their environment, including roadkill or leftovers from other animals.

Bird feeders

While crows are not common visitors to typical bird feeders, they may occasionally be attracted to those offering larger food items. Crows may eat suet, peanuts, or sunflower seeds if easily accessible. Their preference for more substantial food means they are less frequent at feeders designed for smaller birds.

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Torresian Crow

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Australian Crow

Torresian Crow

Corvus orru

Also known as: Australian Crow, Papuan Crow

General appearance

The Torresian Crow (Corvus orru) is a large black bird with a slightly curved bill and black feathers that may display a bluish-purple sheen in direct sunlight. Its eyes are stark white or grey, surrounded by a ring of bare skin, a prominent feature. They are approximately 50-55cm in length, with a wingspan of around 1 metre.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism within the Torresian Crow species. However, males are typically slightly larger than females, but this difference is subtle and can be difficult to discern in the wild.

Juvenile

Juvenile Torresian Crows resemble adults but their eyes are blue-grey at the initial stage. The plumage is slightly duller and lacks the adult's sheen. The bill of a juvenile crow is typically shorter and the bare skin around their eyes develops as they mature.

Size

18.9 - 20.9 in/15.2 - 24.7 oz

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Australian Crow

Corvus

General appearance

Australian crows are large, robust birds, often mistaken for ravens due to their pitch-black feathers which display a slightly glossy sheen. White patches of feathers are rare but can occur. They have solid muscular legs and stout black beaks.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism in the Australian crow species making it hard to differentiate between males and females. Size tends not to be a reliable indicator of sex, as both are generally of similar size. However, vocalizations can be a good hint since females generally have higher-pitched calls than males.

Juvenile

Juvenile Australian crows resemble adults in their dark feather coloration yet are slightly smaller in size. Their eyes gradually change color from blue or grey in fledglings to the adult crow's characteristic white as they mature.

Size

16.9 - 21.3 in/9.9 - 28.9 oz

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How to tell the Torresian Crow from the Australian Crow

Visual differences

The Torresian Crow (19-21.7 inches, 15.2-24.7 ounces) has a slightly curved bill and displays a bluish-purple sheen in sunlight, with stark white or grey eyes surrounded by bare skin. The Australian Crow (17-21.3 inches, 9.9-28.9 ounces) features a stout, black beak, a slightly glossy sheen, and occasionally rare white feather patches. Both juveniles initially have grey or blue eyes before maturing to white. Size overlap makes visual identification challenging, but the Torresian's bare skin around the eyes and its unique sheen can aid differentiation.

Key differences and behavior

The Torresian Crow (Corvus orru) and Australian Crow both exhibit high intelligence and social behaviors, embodying teamwork and problem-solving skills. However, Torresian Crows are known for ganging up to steal food from bigger birds, whereas Australian Crows often follow other animals for food opportunities. Habitat-wise, Torresian Crows inhabit northern and eastern Australian woodlands and urban areas, while Australian Crows are more widespread, including in deserts. Both species nest in tall trees, although Torresian Crows often return to familiar territories. Diets are similarly omnivorous, but Torresian Crows show more adaptability in urban settings. Australian Crows are more vocal, with sex-specific vocalization pitches, while courtship displays and nesting habits are nearly identical for both species.