House Crow

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = House Crow | image = House Crow.jpg | image_width = 240px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Aves | ordo = Passeriformes | familia = Corvidae | genus = Corvus | species = C. splendens | binomial = Corvus splendens | binomial_authority = Vieillot, 1817 }} The House Crow (Corvus splendens) is a common Asian bird native to India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Maldives and Laccadive Islands, South West Thailand and coastal southern Iran. It has been introduced to East Africa around Zanzibar and Port Sudan, and arrived in Australia via ship but has up to now been exterminated. It is associated with human settlements in all of its range, from small villages to large cities.

It is between the Jackdaw and the Carrion Crow in size (40 cm in length) but is relatively slimmer than either. The forehead, crown, throat and upper breast are a richly glossed black, whilst the neck and breast are a lighter grey-brown in colour. The wings, tail and legs are black. There are regional variations in the thickness of the bill and the depth of colour in areas of the plumage.

Image:Corvus splendens map.jpg

It feeds largely on human scraps, small reptiles and other animals such as insects and other small invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, grain and fruits. Most food is taken from the ground, but also from trees as opportunity arises.

At least some trees in the local environment seem to be necessary for its successful breeding. It lays 3-6 eggs in a typical stick nest, and occasionally there are several nests in the same tree.

The voice is a harsh caaa-caaa

Due to a human population explosion in the areas it inhabits, this species has also proportionately multiplied. Being an omnivorous scavenger has enabled it to thrive in such circumstances, given that western standards of hygiene infrastructure in the Indian subcontinent is uncommon. Moreover this species (like several other Corvus species) is known for its cleverness. Among bird hunters it is generally accepted that unlike most birds, these crows can instantly recognise a gun and take flight in an instant.

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