Crows are one of the smartest birds and are very versatile, known to solve problems, and have incredibly complex social structures. It falls under the Corridas family, which comprises ravens, magpies, and jays. Crows may generally be considered medium-sized birds, but some crow species are quite big, both in terms of wingspan as well as size. This is a list of ten of the biggest crows in the world today:
Thick-billed Raven (Corves crassirostris)
The thick-billed Raven, originating from the highlands of Ethiopia, is regarded as one of the largest crows in the world. This bird has a length of approximately 24 inches (60 cm) with a wingspan of 46 inches (117 cm). Its most unique characteristic is a big, recurved upper mandible used to pry open seeds and locate hidden nuts. However, being an owl, the Thick-billed Raven is a formidable bird with large eyes, and it feeds in pairs or in a small flock.
Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Despite the name, there is not much difference between the Common Raven and a crow, and not only is it one of the biggest crows, but also one of the most populous. Determining up to 27 inches (69 cm) in length of body and up to 51 inches (130 cm) in wingspan, the common raven must be thought of as a dominant avian species over other birds of the sky. These birds are massive, famous for their low-pitched calls, and surprisingly very smart; they are capable of tool use and often play.
Collared Crow (Corvus torquatus)
The Collared Crow is found in the eastern region of Asia, and some of the countries include China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. This species has black and white plumage and features a broad white band around its neck, giving it a T-shirt-like appearance. It attains a length of up to 56 cm, thus being one of the largest crow species found in the wild. Another species is the Collared Crow, which prefers to reside in regions inhabited by humans, as the bird is a farmer’s pest as it feeds on grains and insects, small animals.
Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)
Found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, this bird is a large one and highly versatile. It reaches a size of about 20 inches (50 cm) in length with a wingspan of approximately 40 inches (102 cm). The Torresian Crow is an opportunist and an omnivore, and this species has adapted well to human-dominated landscapes both in urban and rural settings. These crows are not the dumb creatures you might picture when you hear ‘crows’; rather, they are known to use tools, and even solve puzzles to get a meal.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
The American Crow, known for its black coat and the famous “caw-caw” call, is a common bird spotted around North America. They can reach a length of 21 inches (53 cm) and a wingspan of 39 inches (99 cm). The color of these birds is mostly black, and they possess a gray bill that curves downward. American Crows are gregarious birds that are most commonly observed in groups, and this is most rampant, especially in the cold season. Their intelligence is also evident based on;
For instance, the ability of elephants to recognize human faces and recall it for several years.
House Crow (Corvus splendens)
Distributed in the Indian subcontinent, the House Crow seems to have adjusted its geographical niche in some parts of the Middle East, East Africa, as well as in Southeast Asia. The House Crow is also a significantly bigger crow that measures up to 19 inches (48 cm) in length, which makes it one of the largest crows in the world despite the fact that it is slightly smaller than some of the crows in this list.
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
The Hooded Crow is a large bird, which has a gray color with black on the top of the head, wings, and tail. Extending up to 20 inches in length, the distribution of the hooded crow is limited to Europe, the Middle East, and some areas of Asia. This makes it possible for it to live in different ecosystems, ranging from the forest to towns and cities. Another crow species is the hooded crow, which is known for its manipulative intelligence as well as such skills as tool usage and group problem-solving.
Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
Another bird is the Jungle Crow or the Large-billed Crow, which is also discovered in Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. The largest of this species can grow up to 23 inches (59 cm) in length. Jungle crows are opportunistic birds and therefore can inhabit any region, from a thick forest to an urban area. They are relayed as being endowed with high levels of intelligence in such aspects as problem-solving and sociality.
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
The Australian Raven is one of the biggest flying birds in Australia, with a length of about 24 inches (61 cm) and a span of wings of about 47 inches (120 cm). Characterized by their tweeting like a human cry these birds are intelligent and can be found in both residential and bushland areas. It is a fact that these species of birds feed on almost anything including insects as well as small mammals.
Little Raven (Corvus mellori)
However, as the name suggests, it is still one of the biggest crow species, especially considering the smaller ravens. This fish is found in southeastern Australia and can reach a size up to 20 inches/50 cm. The Little Raven is a very versatile bird and is normally seen in large groups, often exceeding thousands. These birds are more willing and able to satisfy their requirements from almost any food that they get in their way such as insects, fruits, and even carrion.
Conclusion
Crows are amazing birds, which can be wise and sly at the same time; some of them are even large. Starting with the thick-billed raven of Ethiopia up to the common raven that can be seen almost anywhere in this world, these birds expound the variety and tenacity of the Corvidae group. These are the largest crows in the world and their fascinating behavior and social interaction leave everyone literally spellbound.
