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Pied currawong

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Strepera graculina

Description

pied currawong

The Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) are found along the east coast of mainland Australia from far north Queensland down to Victoria. These large birds can be in most forests and woodlands within their range however they have adapted very well to urban environments.

Growing to approximately 50cm, Pied currawongs are mostly black all over with patches of white beneath the tail feathers and at the tip of each wing and the tail. They have a very distinctive yellow eye.

Male and female currawongs build a bowl of sticks as a nest high in trees, and although both sexes gather sticks only the female builds the nest. The female will then incubate up to 3 eggs while the male brings food to her while she sits in the nest.

Adaptations

  • Sometimes store prey in a 'larder' (hung on a hook or in a tree fork or crevice)
  • Most common call is described as “currawong”, giving the bird its English name
  • May also utter deep croaks and high-pitched whistles as wolf's calls when perched.
  • Birds of this species can also hunt as a group

Feeding relationships

  • What I eat: insects and invertebrates, small lizards, berries and have been known to take small and young birds and possums
  • What eats me: Lace Monitors, carpet snakes, other birds of prey (Juvenile Pied Currawongs are particularly vulnerable)

Interesting facts

Increasing numbers of pied currawongs along Australia’s east coast are being seen as a threat to many small bird species, and a key factor in the spread of weeds into native bushland.

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Last reviewed 07 May 2020
Last updated 07 May 2020