Black Currawong.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Black Currawong. Note massive bill.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Black Currawong.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Strepera fuliginosa
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Black Currawong
Scientific name: Strepera fuliginosa
Family: Artamidae
Order: Passeriformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Black Currawong is a medium-sized bird, with a heavy, black bill, black body and white tips to the flight-feathers and tail. It has a bright yellow eye. Immature birds are similar but duller in appearance.
Similar species
In Tasmania, the 'Black-winged' subspecies of the Grey Currawong, S. versicolor, is similar, but can be distinguished from the Black Currawong, by having white in its wings, a different call and a less massive beak. The Forest Raven, Corvus tasmanicus, lacks the white tail markings of the Black Currawong.Where does it live?
Distribution
The Black Currawong is confined to Tasmania and its surrounding islands.
Habitat
The Black Currawong occurs in a range of habitats in Tasmania, including mountain and lowland forests, coastal heath, grazing lands and suburban areas.Seasonal movements
The Black Currawong moves down from mountain areas to the milder lowlands in winter.What does it do?
Feeding
The Black Currawong is omnivorous, feeding on young birds, carrion, insects and berries. It forages in the trees or on the ground.
Breeding
The Black Currawong builds a large, deep nest of sticks lined with roots and grass. Nests are usually found in the forks of trees 3 to 20 m high. The nestlings are fed by both parents.
Living with us
Living with humans
The Black Currawong was adversely affected by land clearing for farmland on King Island. It is sometimes considered a pest in orchards.References
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Schodde, R. and Tideman, S.C. (eds) 1990. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Cowling, S.J. (eds) 2006. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 7 (Boatbill to Starlings) Part A. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.