The Black Currawong (Strepera fuliginosa) is another species that is endemic to Tasmania. On first glance you would think that these birds are a form of crow - but in reality they are more closely related to butcher-birds and the Australian Magpie. It's a large an impressive bird, with a length of about 47cm.
Although it does not show up in these pictures, this individual either had a damaged (or very dirty) right eye. However, (s)he seems to be doing OK.
These pictures were taken just outside the Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania. This is classic summer, upland territory for this species.
Although it does not show up in these pictures, this individual either had a damaged (or very dirty) right eye. However, (s)he seems to be doing OK.
These pictures were taken just outside the Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania. This is classic summer, upland territory for this species.
As ever, to join in with WBW just click on the blue button below the thumbnails - feel free to share a link to this page on the many and varied forms of social media that we now use every day!
It is quite sleek and attenuated, and with that prominent yellow eye, looks more like a Common Grackle at a quick glance, than a crow, here in North America. Tasmania has a remarkable number of endemics.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteIn Sydney, I loved the song of the Currawong. Then, on visiting Lord Howe Island, I discovered the Currawong there have an 'accent' - one might even say a 'dialect'. Turned out it wasn't my imagination! As a matter of interest, I was also sad to read the LHI 'wong is now listed as "vulnerable" (there's other good info in that link!). YAM xx
Hello Stewart,:) Wonderful captures of this amazing looking bird, with it's long lines and sculptured head. The Black Currawong is most impressive. Many thanks for sharing, and hosting.:)
ReplyDeleteAlways cool to see an endemic species! I agree with David's comment above -- it does have a lot of similarities to the look of our Common Grackle
ReplyDeletecool bird...wish him luck with that eye
ReplyDeleteNot a very attractive bird but I guess we can't all be pretty or handsome..Kinda looks like our Grackles only bigger..Great shots..
ReplyDeletea very strange head on this bird. But there was birds in Queensland with even more extreme features :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s a beauty. Small head compared to the beak. Its name is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove the eyes and beak! Very good looking bird!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite an imposing beak on that very big bird!
ReplyDeleteWell yes, as soon as I saw that the word "crow" leapt to mid. An unusual sort of head shape and an inpressive bird.
ReplyDeleteIt looks almost beak heavy but guess it s well balanced in fact! Have a good week. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteThis handsome fellow resembles our crows/ravens. I wonder, Stewart, if they are distant cousins...:)JP
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a wonderful week!
Lovely natural habit photos. Thank you for the link-up, have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThe burrawong does long a bit like a crow, not as plump and it has quite a big beak.
ReplyDeleteWhy does the auto correct work when I'm not looking. That was currawong.
ReplyDeleteThis is so much matching with Indian Crow...
ReplyDeleteStewart, new bird for us. Crow-like. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis bird is super cool looking. Alot like a crow but yet different. Great intense look in it's eyes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of images .. Happy week
ReplyDeleteThat bird is strong looking and I feel like I wouldn't want to get on his or her wrong side! Looks like he rules wherever he is!
ReplyDelete