Somali crow
The Somali crow, or dwarf raven (Corvus edithae), is approximately the size (44–46 cm in length) of the carrion crow, Corvus corone but with a longer bill and a somewhat more brownish cast to the feathers, especially when worn, and is technically a raven, not a crow.
| Somali crow | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Dinosauria |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Corvidae |
| Genus: | Corvus |
| Species: | C. edithae |
| Binomial name | |
| Corvus edithae Lort Phillips, 1895 | |
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| Distribution map | |
Distribution and Species
This species occurs principally in Somalia, Djibouti, the Ogaden and the Northern Frontier District in the Horn of Africa, and can be distinguished from the larger brown-necked raven C. ruficollis by its call, appearance and differences in its behaviour.
It was formerly considered a subspecies of the larger brown-necked raven (C. ruficollis), but is now considered to be a distinct species.
This crow is thought to be closer to the pied crow C. albus by some authorities, especially in its behaviour, than to the brown-necked raven. Hybrid birds between the pied crow and the Somali crow appear to reinforce this close relationship where the two species meet.
The nest is a ravenlike bulky structure set in either a lone tree or on telegraph poles. It will nest on cliffs in coastal regions or areas where trees are unavailable. The 3-5 eggs are laid in April and early May.
The voice is described as a harsh "caw" rather like the rook, Corvus frugilegus of Eurasia.
References
- BirdLife International (2016). "Corvus edithae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22732286A95046030. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22732286A95046030.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.