Species Profile

The Pied Crow: A Striking and Clever African Corvid

Birdorable Pied Crow

The Pied Crow is a fascinating and adaptable bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. With its striking black-and-white plumage and intelligent behavior, this bird is one of the most recognizable members of the crow family. Whether you're interested in corvids for their smarts or their striking appearance, the Pied Crow is sure to capture your attention.

The Pied Crow is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of about 18 to 20 inches. Its name comes from its distinctive coloration: a glossy black head, wings, and tail, contrasted with a bright white chest and belly. This stark contrast makes the Pied Crow easy to identify, even from a distance. In fact, its name "pied" refers to this black-and-white pattern, similar to the term used to describe other animals with similar markings, like the Pied Kingfisher.

Pied Crow by Nigel Hoult (CC BY 2.0)

These birds are highly intelligent, a trait common among members of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies. Pied Crows are known for their problem-solving skills, use of tools, and ability to learn from observing others. In the wild, they have been observed dropping rocks onto ostrich eggs to break them. They also follow bush fires to capture insects trying to escape the flames. That's pretty smart! Their intelligence also makes them highly adaptable, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments.

Pied Crows are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find. Their diet includes insects, small mammals, other birds, carrion, and fruits and seeds. In urban areas, they are often seen scavenging for scraps, around garbage dumps, and can become quite bold around humans. This adaptability in their diet contributes to their success in different habitats, from savannas and open woodlands to cities and towns.

Socially, Pied Crows are quite gregarious, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their loud, cawing calls, which they use to communicate with each other. These calls can be heard throughout the day as the birds interact, defend their territory, or signal the presence of food. 

Pied Crow by Alastair Rae (CC BY-SA 2.0)

When it comes to nesting, Pied Crows are just as resourceful as they are in their feeding habits. They typically build large, sturdy nests out of sticks and other materials, placing them in trees, on power poles, or even on buildings. The female lays a clutch of three to six eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge about a month after hatching.

The Pied Crow is not just a common bird in its range; it also plays a significant role in the local ecosystems. By scavenging carrion, these crows help clean up the environment, and by preying on insects and small animals, they help control those populations. However, in some areas, they are considered pests, particularly when they target crops or raid other birds' nests.

The intelligence, adaptability, and striking appearance of Pied Crows make them one of the most interesting birds in Africa. Whether you're a birder, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates clever animals, the Pied Crow is a bird worth learning about.

Birdorable Pied Crow Gifts

Comments

Woodpiecer on August 30, 2024 at 12:40 AM wrote:
Pied Crows can only be found in Africa, even Madagascar.

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

2017 Bonanza Bird #6: Common Pochard

Today's new bird in our annual Birdorable Bonanza is an Old World species of duck: the Common Pochard! The Common Pochard is a migratory duck found across parts of Europe and Asia. They are gregarious, found in large (sometimes mixed) flocks during...

2020 Bonanza Birds #1-4: North American Finches

Today we start our 2020 Birdorable Bonanza with a bang! Actually… make that an IRRUPTION! We’re kicking off 29 days of new birds by dropping four finches in this “finch invasion” winter season. A bright spot in 2020, many birders are...

New Crane Species Discovered in South America

What timing! In the middle of celebrating Crane Week, we have received breaking news that a new species of crane has been discovered! Unbelievable news out of Bolivia this week as a new species of crane has been discovered breeding near the Salar de Uyuni, one of...

Bird Term: Brood Parasite

Brood parasites are birds that rely on other birds, often of a different species, to raise their young. Brood parasitism occurs in organisms other than birds, including fish and insects, but we'll focus on a few well-known bird...