ID Crows and Ravens
Australia has five species of crows and ravens. This guide helps you tell apart the Australian Raven, Forest Raven, Little Crow, Little Raven, and Torresian Crow using visual clues and listening to their calls.
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Australian Raven
Live in Canberra, Sydney or Perth? You’re probably hearing and seeing an Australian Raven. This raven is the loudest and sounds like it’s finally understood your joke. Look out for its long shaggy throat feathers when it calls.
Forest Raven
Live in Tasmania? You’re hearing and seeing the Forest Raven. It is the baritone of the Australian corvids (ravens and crows). Look out for its rounded crown (head) and a massive bill.
Little Crow
Live in a dry and arid part of Australia? You may see the Little Crow. This bird’s call a short sharp, nasal and monotonous. Look out for its bill, which is shorter than the length of its head.
Little Raven
Live in Melbourne or Adelaide? You’re probably hearing and seeing the Little Raven. This bird’s call is lower in pitch and has a more regular rhythm than the Australian Raven. Look out for its short throat feathers (not long and shaggy like the Australian Raven).
Torresian Crow
Live in Darwin or Brisbane? You’re hearing and seeing a Torresian Crow. Its call is usually more than three notes. Look out for its bill, which is longer in length than its head. You might also catch a glimpse of its white down feathers at the base of its black feathers.
Crow and Raven FAQs
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A: Ravens usually have shaggy throat feathers and longer calls. Crows are often smaller and have shorter, nasal-sounding calls. They all belong to the ‘Corvid’ family.
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A: Yes - Australia has five native species of crows and ravens.
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A: In Perth, Sydney and Canberra, it’s usually the Australian Raven. In Melbourne and Adelaide, it’s usually the Little Raven. In Brisbane and Darwin, it’s usually the Torresian Crow.
Podcast episodes
Learn more about crows and ravens in this Weekend Birder episode: