Torresian Crow vs House 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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House Crow

Corvus splendens

Also known as: Indian Crow, Graynecked Crow, Greynecked Crow, Ceylon Crow, Colombo Crow

How to recognise a house crow?

General appearance

The house crow, also known as the Indian, greynecked, or Ceylon crow, has a glossy black color with a greyish neck and breast. It features a strong, stout bill and a tail longer than other crows. Dominatingly omnivorous, it has a versatile diet. It stands out with its distinctive cawing sound.

Male vs female

Males and females of the house crow species look identical with no significant difference in coloration or size, a trait known as sexual monomorphism. Both sexes have similar black and grey coloration. Still, males may be slightly larger and have a slightly thicker bill, which is not easily noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile house crows look much like the adults but have slightly duller coloration. Their feathers lack the glossy sheen seen in adults and they have a lighter-grey neck and breast. Juveniles also have brownish eyes, which darken with age, and their bills and legs are not as strongly black as in adults.

Size

15.7 - 16.9 in/8.6 - 13.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

House Crows primarily inhabit human-altered environments like towns, cities, and agricultural areas, particularly in their native regions of the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

Additional range

They have expanded their range, with populations now established in other regions including parts of Africa, the Middle East and Australia. They adapt well to various climates, from tropical to temperate.

Range Map

What do house crows like to eat?

Natural diet

House crows are omnivorous scavengers, primarily feeding on insects, small animals, and carrion. They also consume seeds, fruit, and food waste. Vegetation and grains are part of their diet, and they are often seen foraging in urban environments for scraps.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, house crows eat a variety of foods such as bread, cooked rice, nuts, and pieces of fruit. They are attracted to fatty foods like suet and will also consume leftover pet food if available.

What does a house crow sound like?

The house crow has a range of vocalizations, including harsh caws, squawks, and various other mid-tone and high-pitched calls. Its typical crowing sounds are 'kaa kaa' or 'kaaw kaaw', often repeated several times. No known song is associated with the house crow as it’s not a songbird. As social animals, they often communicate with each other in a cacophonous style, especially when in large groups. These vocalizations are used for a variety of reasons including warning each other of dangers, maintaining flock hierarchy and for interacting with each other.

Call

Audio by Vladimir Yu. Arkhipov

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Call

Audio by Bram Piot

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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Torresian Crow

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House 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

There's more to learn about Torresian Crow

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House Crow

Corvus splendens

Also known as: Indian Crow, Graynecked Crow, Greynecked Crow, Ceylon Crow, Colombo Crow

General appearance

The house crow, also known as the Indian, greynecked, or Ceylon crow, has a glossy black color with a greyish neck and breast. It features a strong, stout bill and a tail longer than other crows. Dominatingly omnivorous, it has a versatile diet. It stands out with its distinctive cawing sound.

Male vs female

Males and females of the house crow species look identical with no significant difference in coloration or size, a trait known as sexual monomorphism. Both sexes have similar black and grey coloration. Still, males may be slightly larger and have a slightly thicker bill, which is not easily noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile house crows look much like the adults but have slightly duller coloration. Their feathers lack the glossy sheen seen in adults and they have a lighter-grey neck and breast. Juveniles also have brownish eyes, which darken with age, and their bills and legs are not as strongly black as in adults.

Size

15.7 - 16.9 in/8.6 - 13.1 oz

There's more to learn about House Crow

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How to tell the Torresian Crow from the House Crow

Visual differences

The Torresian Crow is larger, measuring 19-21 inches long with a wingspan of about 39 inches, and has a slightly curved bill with stark white or grey eyes. Its black plumage may exhibit a bluish-purple sheen. In contrast, the House Crow is smaller, at 16-17 inches in length, and features a glossy black body with a grey neck and breast, a stout bill, and a longer tail. House Crows lack sheen, having brownish eyes in juveniles that darken with age. Both species have minimal sexual dimorphism.

Key differences and behavior

Torresian Crows and House Crows exhibit distinct behavioral and ecological traits. Torresian Crows, found in diverse habitats in Northern and Eastern Australia, are territorial and often return to the same breeding grounds. They engage in teamwork to forage and can adapt to urban environments. Their diet is varied, including insects, small mammals, and fruits. In contrast, House Crows thrive in highly urbanized areas across their native and introduced ranges. They are bold, social, and form large communal roosts. Preferring human-altered environments, they scavenge a wide array of urban food waste. While Torresian Crows form long-term pair bonds with shared parenting, House Crows engage in complex courtship with males offering food. Both species nest in trees, but House Crows also utilize urban structures. Overall, Torresian Crows are more solitary and versatile in habitat, while House Crows are highly social and urban-centric.