Corvus mellori

Little Raven at Alpine

Corvus mellori at Alpine - 4 Nov 2017
Corvus mellori at Alpine - 4 Nov 2017
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Identification history

Corvus mellori 12 Feb 2020 natureguy
Corvus coronoides / mellori 21 Jan 2020 natureguy
Corvus coronoides 19 Jan 2020 JanHartog

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8 comments

BLSHFour wrote:
   19 Jan 2020
From one image it is impossible to separate Australian from Little Raven, especially as the Little is the commonest raven in the SH. The proof lies in either seeing beyond doubt the gular pouch in the Australian or the settling posture of the Little.
JanHartog wrote:
   21 Jan 2020
I have added a second photo. I hope this will help.
BLSHFour wrote:
   21 Jan 2020
Thanks. Makes me think more Little than Australian. This problem of separating the ravens is very difficult and most Atlas lists allow for "Raven species" and I have noted that designation has been used by very experienced birders in the past. Perhaps we should use it too unless the species is obvious.
JanHartog wrote:
   21 Jan 2020
Thanks I will post some other Raven photo's.
natureguy wrote:
   21 Jan 2020
I have added a category for Ravens which can't be identified to species level.
natureguy wrote:
   13 Feb 2020
I agree with BLSHFour, seems more like Little Raven (no pronounced throat hackles and habit seems more like Little).
natureguy wrote:
   13 Feb 2020
Also some additional information for IDing ravens.

1. Listen for the call. This is one of the key distinguishing features. (high pitched and short in Little, long and deeper in Australian). You could take a sound recording if you want to.

2. Little Ravens often flick their wings when perched. (Australian doesn't do this).

3. Throat hackles. (Very prevalent in Australian, not prevalent or less noticeable in Little.)

4. Groups. Little is often in medium sized groups of 5 or more birds. (Australian is rarely in groups of more than about 3 or 4)

You can note any of these features in your notes or in the comments.
Regards, Luke.
JanHartog wrote:
   13 Feb 2020
Thanks for the additional information.

Jan

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Location information

Sighting information

Species information

  • Corvus mellori Scientific name
  • Little Raven Common name
  • Not Sensitive
  • Local native
  • Non-invasive or negligible
  • Up to 1714.94m Recorded at altitude
  • 96 images trained Machine learning
  • External link More information

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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