White-necked Raven

About the White-necked Raven

The white-necked raven (Corvus albicollis), also known as the collared raven, is a species of raven native to eastern and southern Africa. It is somewhat smaller (50–54 cm in length) than the common raven or its nearest relative, the thick-billed raven C. crassirostris.

The white-necked raven has a much shorter tail than the common raven, as well as a deeper bill with a white tip that is almost as strongly arched as that of the thick-billed raven. Though predominantly black, the throat, breast and neck show a faint purple gloss. There is a large patch of white feathers on the nape of the neck.

It soars well, with shallower wingbeats than other Corvidae. Length: 50 – 54 cm Wingspan: 752 – 860 mm (17 unsexed birds) Weight: 762 – 865 g 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 other raven species but with a more whispering note. Like all corvids, the White-necked raven is capable of vocal mimicry. However, this behavior is only ever recorded in captivity.

It occurs in eastern and southern Africa... Wikipedia →