Black Currawong Strepera fuliginosa Scientific name definitions

c. 50 cm; male 365–457 g, female 327–353 g. Large, dark passerine resembling a Corvus crow, with massive bill slightly hooked at tip and pronounced curve on upper mandible, flattened head top; long tail with rounded tip, long broad wings with "fingered" tips. Nominate race is almost entirely black (becomes browner with wear), white area at base of primaries forming white wingbar on underwing (and sometimes visible on upperwing), flight-feathers with white tips (broadest on outer five primaries), tail with rounded white tip; iris bright yellow; bill and legs black. Sexes similar, male larger than female. Juvenile is blackish-brown, streaked on breast, with pale areas of wing and tail off-white, bill greyish-white with pale yellow gape, legs dark grey; iris dull yellow; immature dark brown to black, similar to worn adult, wing and tail pattern as in adult but off-white, retains some juvenile plumage in wings, bill black, pale yellow gape persists into second year, iris yellow. Races differ only in size: parvior is smaller than nominate, with proportionately shorter tail; colei is smallest, with proportionately shortest tail.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

In austral summer, inhabits moist mountain forests, especially cool temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll (Eucalyptus) forests; also tableland habitats, e.g. heathlands, moors and sedgelands. In autumn and winter months, at least part of population wanders in flocks to lowland eucalypt forests and woodlands and urban habitats. On islands in Bass Strait lives in drier forested habitats all year, also coastal scrubs and beaches.

Not well known. Some descend from cold and snow of upland areas during autumn and winter; others resident. After breeding season, may move in flocks closer to human habitation.

Mainly insects, and small vertebrates such as lizards, birds and mice; some fruit and seeds. Bass Strait races (colei and parvior) seen to feed in large numbers among piles of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) on beaches. Usually forages on ground, probing and gleaning and turning over bark and forest litter; will seize small birds in flight. Scavenges at picnic grounds and farmyards. May wedge larger prey in crevice or splintered log and tear off pieces to carry to nest or fledglings. Known to cache food.

Not well known. Calls described variously as musical "kar-week, kar-week", long drawn-out rolling croak, and incessant chattering scream, possibly all variants of same call. Food-carrying adult gives long flute-like whistle. Soft whistles and croaks between members of pair.

Little known. Season generally Oct–Dec; nestlings reported in Nov and fledglings in Dec. Breeds as pair. Nest built by both sexes, an untidy outer framework c. 40 cm in diameter, of sticks and twigs, lined with twigs, grass, rootlets and strips of bark, usually placed high in fork of tall forest eucalypt; may refurbish old nest of previous year. Clutch 2–4 eggs, purplish-buff with red-brown and purple blotches, generally at larger end, mean c. 44 x 31 mm; young fed by both parents; strong defence of nest. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Restricted range species: present in Tasmania EBA. Fairly common. King I race (colei) assessed as "Vulnerable" in Australia; main threat is clearing of native vegetation for farmland. Species is sometimes regarded as a pest in orchards and around poultry farms.