Torresian Crow vs Collared 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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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.

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Torresian Crow

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Collared 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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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

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How to tell the Torresian Crow from the Collared Crow

Visual differences

The Torresian Crow, at 19-21 inches, is glossy black with a slightly curved bill and distinctive white or grey eyes surrounded by bare skin. It appears larger and heavier (0.95-1.54 lbs) compared to the Collared Crow. The Collared Crow, similar in length at 19-21 inches but lighter (0.76-1.13 lbs), features a striking 'collar' of white on the neck, chest, and abdomen, with a white wing bar visible when wings are folded. Its beak is sleek and its head relatively flat, contrasting with the uniform black of the Torresian Crow.

Key differences and behavior

The Torresian Crow and Collared Crow share several behavioral similarities, yet also exhibit distinct differences. Both are intelligent, engaging in complex courtship and maintaining long-term monogamous bonds. They nest in tall trees and participate equally in raising offspring, with young fledging around 4-5 weeks. However, Torresian Crows are more social, cooperating in groups to obtain food, while Collared Crows prefer solitude, avoiding neighbors for nesting. Habitat-wise, Torresian Crows thrive in diverse climates across Northern and Eastern Australia, adapting well to urban areas. In contrast, Collared Crows are native to East Asia, favoring warm, subtropical climates. Both are omnivorous, scavenging human food, but the Torresian tends to forage on the ground and is less frequent at bird feeders. In essence, Torresian Crows exhibit more social and versatile feeding behavior, while Collared Crows are more secluded and consistent in habitat preference.