ExploreBird

New Caledonian Crow

Corvus moneduloides

The New Caledonian Crow is a clever bird known for using tools to find food. It has shiny black feathers and a sharp beak, making it a skilled problem solver in the forest.

Habitat: Forest

Appearance

The New Caledonian Crow has glossy black feathers across its entire body, giving it a sleek appearance. It features a distinctive slender, straight bill, which is proportionally longer than that of most other crow species, helping it manipulate objects. Its dark eyes blend into its dark head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusCorvus

New Caledonian Crow

Interesting facts

New Caledonian Crows can even use rocks to displace water and get food!

These clever birds can solve problems as well as a 7-year-old child!

They can make up to three different tools for one tricky task!

They learn new tricks simply by watching other crows perform them!

Special abilities

New Caledonian Crows can craft complex hooked tools from twigs and leaves because of their incredible problem-solving skills.

New Caledonian Crows understand cause and effect, which helps them use multiple tools in sequence to reach food.

New Caledonian Crows cache their favorite tools for later use, showing impressive planning for future tasks.

Measurements & details

Length: 36-43 cm
Wingspan: 45-50 cm
Weight: 0.17-0.3 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 55 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-4
Incubation: 19-21 days

Diet & Feeding

These clever crows are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, seeds, and even tiny critters!

Primary Foods

Beetle Larvae
Spiders
Crickets
Snails
Fruit
Seeds

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

New Caledonian Longhorn Beetle

Rhytiphora pulverulenta

Extracts larvae from wood using tools.

eats

Screw Pine

Pandanus tectorius

Consumes the fruits and seeds from this native tree.

eaten by

Brown Goshawk

Accipiter fasciatus

Fledglings or adults can be prey for this raptor.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Tool Use

Discover amazing animals that cleverly use objects from their environment to help them find food, build homes, or protect themselves. They're nature's clever inventors!