White-necked Ravens
Ravens
The White-necked Raven, Corvus albicollis, is somewhat smaller (50-54 cm in length) than the Common Raven or indeed its nearest relative, the Thick-billed Raven C. crassirostris. It has a much shorter tail and a deeper bill with a white tip that is strongly arched (almost as much as the Thick-billed Raven). Though predominantly black, the throat, breast and neck are a blackish-brown in color, with a faint purple gloss. There is a large patch of white feathers on the back of the lower neck.
It occurs in eastern and southern Africa in open, mountainous country. It is quite commonly found in small towns and villages as long as there are mountains or hills for roosting and nesting relatively near by.
Most of this birds food is obtained from the ground, but it will take food from trees also. It has been seen to drop tortoises from a height onto hard ground and will readily take carrion (dead animals) from road kills. Fruit, grain, insects, small reptiles, peanuts* and human food are also readily taken and if not persecuted, will forage in back yards and gardens quite openly
*Avianweb Note: Peanuts are a valuable source of protein -- however, peanuts are often contaminated with aflatoxin, a fungal toxin. Aflatoxin is carcinogenic and causes liver damage in birds and other animals. Roasting reduces aflatoxin but does not eliminate it entirely. North American peanut producers are currently working on eliminating contaminated peanuts from their products.
Nests are mainly on a cliff ledge but will occasionally nest in a tree. There are usually 3-5 eggs laid.
Often described as a raven with a sore throat, it has very similar calls to the Common Raven, but with a more husky note. It has a croak like the raven but with a more whispering note added.
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