Collared Crow vs Large-Billed Crow

Collared Crow

Corvus torquatus

Also known as: Ring-Necked Crow, White-Collared Crow

How to recognise a collared crow?

General appearance

The Collared Crow is a large bird with a body length of about 50cm. Its body is predominantly black with striking white plumage found on its neck (forming a 'collar'), chest, and abdomen regions. It also displays a white wing bar that is visible when the wings are folded. This crow exhibits a sleek black beak, robust legs and a relatively flat head.

Male vs female

Both male and female Collared Crows look alike, exhibiting similar black and white coloration and sizes. They are monomorphic which means there is no visible distinction between males and females. Males might be slightly larger than females, but this difference is barely noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile Collared Crows have coloration similar to that of adults, although their colors may be slightly duller, especially the white part. The plumage becomes brighter and sleek as they grow into adults. Another noticeable feature in juveniles is a less defined 'collar' and the beak may be slightly lighter in color.

Size

19.7 - 21.7 in/12.2 - 18.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Collared Crow is native to East Asia, primarily found in China and Vietnam. It prefers warm, subtropical climates.

Additional range

While they typically inhabit farmland and open woodland, these crows can also be found in urban environments and coastal regions.

Range Map

What do collared crows like to eat?

Natural diet

The collared crow primarily feeds on insects, small mammals, and various invertebrates found in its natural habitat. It also consumes seeds, fruits, and agricultural crops, making it an opportunistic feeder. Additionally, this bird is known to scavenge, taking advantage of carrion and human food waste when available.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the collared crow often consumes a variety of seeds and nuts. It is particularly attracted to sunflower seeds and peanuts. Occasionally, it may consume suet and other high-energy foods intended for smaller bird species. The crow's adaptability allows it to thrive in areas where bird feeders are common.

There's more to learn about Collared Crow

View full details

Large-Billed Crow

Corvus macrorhynchos

Also known as: Thick-Billed Crow

How to recognise a large-billed crow?

General appearance

The large-billed crow, as the name suggests, is notable for its relatively large beak. These crows are generally black, even though a gray or silver sheen may appear over the feathers in bright sunlight. Their eyes are often a stark contrast in a striking shade of white or pale blue.

Male vs female

Sexual dimorphism is less prominent in large-billed crows, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based on physical appearance alone. Both genders share similar coloration and size, although males tend to be slightly larger.

Juvenile

Juvenile large-billed crows resemble adults but tend to have lighter-colored eyes, usually a duller blue or gray. Additionally, juveniles may be identified by the comparatively smaller size of their beaks, which gradually increase as they age.

Size

18.1 - 23.2 in/15.9 - 35.3 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The large-billed crow is native to South and Southeast Asia. It prefers tropical climates but can also adapt to various environments like forests, grasslands and human settlements.

Additional range

Sometimes this species extends its range north to the Russian Far East and Japan, likely due to increased availability of food resources.

Range Map

What do large-billed crows like to eat?

Natural diet

The large-billed crow is omnivorous, feeding on a diverse array of natural foods. Its diet primarily consists of insects, small mammals, fruits, grains, and carrion. It is also known to consume eggs and nestlings of other birds. It forages in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas, demonstrating great adaptability in its dietary habits.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the large-billed crow is attracted to a range of offerings. It commonly consumes seeds, nuts, and suet. These birds may also take advantage of kitchen scraps, such as bread and meat, provided at feeders. Their adaptable nature allows them to exploit various food sources found around human habitation.

There's more to learn about Large-Billed Crow

View full details

Collared Crow

Tap To compare

Large-Billed Crow

Collared Crow

Corvus torquatus

Also known as: Ring-Necked Crow, White-Collared Crow

General appearance

The Collared Crow is a large bird with a body length of about 50cm. Its body is predominantly black with striking white plumage found on its neck (forming a 'collar'), chest, and abdomen regions. It also displays a white wing bar that is visible when the wings are folded. This crow exhibits a sleek black beak, robust legs and a relatively flat head.

Male vs female

Both male and female Collared Crows look alike, exhibiting similar black and white coloration and sizes. They are monomorphic which means there is no visible distinction between males and females. Males might be slightly larger than females, but this difference is barely noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile Collared Crows have coloration similar to that of adults, although their colors may be slightly duller, especially the white part. The plumage becomes brighter and sleek as they grow into adults. Another noticeable feature in juveniles is a less defined 'collar' and the beak may be slightly lighter in color.

Size

19.7 - 21.7 in/12.2 - 18.1 oz

There's more to learn about Collared Crow

View full details

Large-Billed Crow

Corvus macrorhynchos

Also known as: Thick-Billed Crow

General appearance

The large-billed crow, as the name suggests, is notable for its relatively large beak. These crows are generally black, even though a gray or silver sheen may appear over the feathers in bright sunlight. Their eyes are often a stark contrast in a striking shade of white or pale blue.

Male vs female

Sexual dimorphism is less prominent in large-billed crows, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based on physical appearance alone. Both genders share similar coloration and size, although males tend to be slightly larger.

Juvenile

Juvenile large-billed crows resemble adults but tend to have lighter-colored eyes, usually a duller blue or gray. Additionally, juveniles may be identified by the comparatively smaller size of their beaks, which gradually increase as they age.

Size

18.1 - 23.2 in/15.9 - 35.3 oz

There's more to learn about Large-Billed Crow

View full details

How to tell the Collared Crow from the Large-Billed Crow

Visual differences

The Collared Crow is approximately 20-22 inches long, with distinct black and white plumage; its white collar and underparts contrast sharply against a black body. It has a sleek black beak. In contrast, the Large-Billed Crow, slightly larger at 18-23 inches, is entirely black, sometimes displaying a gray sheen. Its standout feature is a notably larger beak, and it often has striking pale eyes. Both species exhibit similar size, but the Collared Crow's distinctive coloration and the Large-Billed Crow's pronounced beak and uniform blackness aid identification.

Key differences and behavior

The Collared Crow and Large-Billed Crow, both Asian natives, exhibit distinct behaviors. Collared Crows prefer rural and warm climates, nesting solitarily in open woodlands and forming monogamous pairs year-round. In contrast, Large-Billed Crows adapt to diverse environments, including tropical and temperate regions, often inhabiting urban areas. Both species partake in complex courtship displays and share parental duties. Diet-wise, Collared Crows are opportunistic, feeding on insects, small mammals, and agricultural crops, while Large-Billed Crows exhibit greater dietary flexibility, consuming a broader range of foods, including bird eggs and nestlings. These crows differ significantly in weight, with the Large-Billed Crow weighing up to 2.2 pounds, and the Collared Crow up to 1.1 pounds, affecting their hunting and foraging habits.