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Forest Raven
(Corvus tasmanicus)
: "Tasmanian Raven"; race "boreus": "Relict Raven"
Size: 52-54 cm; wing span 0.9-1.15 m
Weight: 500-770 g
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Similar species |
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Physical description |
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Click here for a physical description
Forest Ravens are, together with Australian Ravens, the
largest corvids (ravens,
crows) in Australia.
Their plumage
is all glossy-black. They have basically no "hackles" and
are sturdier in appearance than other Australian corvids. The irises are white.
The very strong bill, the legs and feet are black.
Juvenile and immature birds first have dark-brown irises,
which later turn hazelnut-coloured with inner blue rings
before turning white.
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Twitcher's tip |
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Forest Ravens are best distinguished from other corvids by their relatively short, broad
and slightly flared tail.
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Taxonomy, classification |
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See Forest
Raven at Wikipedia .
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Range, habitat, finding this species |
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Click here for information on habitat
and range
The overall distribution of this species can be assessed based
on sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to
ebird.org
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The global distribution of the Forest Raven is available
HERE
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There are two races of Forest Ravens, both of which are endemic
to Australia. Nominate race "tasmanicus" (the
"Tasmanian Raven") populates all of Tasmania and all the
surrounding smaller
islands along Bass Strait and to the South-east of Tasmania.
In addition, they are found along the southern-most fringe of
the Australian continent, from about Wilson's Promontory, VIC,
in the East to the far south-eastern corner of SA in the West.
Race "boreus"
(the "Relict Raven") is found only in two small patches on the NSW
mid-North coast and far-North coast and in the hinterland of these
coastal areas.
Forest Ravens are found in a wide range of habitats in Tasmania,
but have a strong preference for dense eucalypt forest on the Australian continent.
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Twitcher's tip |
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Forest Ravens are the only
corvids (ravens/crows) found in Tasmania.
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Sightings |
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Click here for sighting information
Race "tasmanicus"
B. Hensen reports spotting Forest Ravens, race "tasmanicus",
in various locations in Tasmania, e.g. in Peter Merrill
Reserve near Kingston, TAS, and also on Bruny Island, TAS,
in March 2016.
Race "boreus"
We have recorded the
calls of a Forest Raven, race "boreus", in
Dorrigo
NP, NSW, in March 2015.
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Photos |
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Race "tasmanicus"
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ADULT |
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Lateral view of a Forest Raven (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Near Peter Merrill Reserve, near Kingston, TAS, March 2016]
Near-dorsal view of a Forest Raven (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Bruny Island, TAS, March 2016]
Direct comparison of a Forest Raven, back, with a Grey Currawong, front
(photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Near Peter Merrill Reserve, near Kingston, TAS, March 2016]
Race "boreus"
No photos available yet, but we have recorded the calls of a Forest Raven,
race "boreus".
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Call(s)/Song |
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For this species we have recorded the following call(s)/song. The
interpretation of their meaning is our own; are welcome.
More Forest Raven sound recordings are available at
xeno-canto.org
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These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our
contributors.
The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species
please refer to a field guide.