The calls of young Australian Ravens are different from adults. I don't know if
the same is true of Little Ravens (probably is). That could be confusing but
your ID is still probably right. If so, that is a particularly large gathering
of Australian Ravens. But young birds starting to become independent especially
if there is some good food around can be expected to form flocks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ryu Callaway
Sent: Sunday, 13 January, 2019 10:48 PM
To: COG Chat
Subject: Raven flocking
This afternoon I went for a walk over Wanniassa Hills and through Fadden after
the cool change came through. At one of the higher points of the reserve, I
encountered a group of just over 15 Ravens. Only Australian Raven calls were
detected. I got a look at a number, which we all young birds - not helpful for
ID. Nonetheless, I could not detect any obvious Little Raven calls.
I continued on my merry way, and coming back through Fadden, I estimated about
80 Ravens - a group of just under 20 in the valley right near me, another group
of 15-20 over open woodland in west Wanniassa Hills, and the remainder, a large
group of 40+ over the more wooded eastern section of Wanniassa Hills which I'd
just walked. They were all rather noisy and calls could be heard from all 3
groups - again, plenty of definite Australian Raven calls, but not one call
that I could say was a Little Raven. The flock in the valley landed in a tree
near me - and of the flock, I could see only one that had white eyes,
suggesting the rest were all young birds.
My understanding is that Little Raven is the flocking species in our region,
whereas Australian Ravens tend to be in small groups. My question: Is it
normal to see large flocks of young Australian Ravens at this time of
year?Perhaps young Australian Ravens behave differently?
I have found a Qld Gov page that refers to the formation of large roosting
groups of young/unpaired birds. This is about crows/ravens in general and not
Aus Raven specific.
Ryu
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