Pied currawong butchering a pigeon

["ben milbourne via Canberrabirds " <>]

Hi Alison,

Isn't nature brilliantly beautiful, albeit scattered with the need to eat.  Reminds me, need to start prepping dinner.

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From: Alison <>
Sent: Friday, 30 October 2026 17:45:56
To: 'ben milbourne' <>; 'Canberrabirds list' <>
Subject: RE: [Canberrabirds] Pied currawong butchering a pigeon

 

Years ago, I watched a currawong catch an English Blackbird outside my yard and hook its neck into the crook of a tree branch to kill it and feed to its young.

This was the start to my dislike of currawongs knowing that they killed small birds during nesting season.

 

From: Canberrabirds <> On Behalf Of ben milbourne via Canberrabirds
Sent: Friday, 30 October 2026 10:17 AM
To: Canberrabirds list <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Pied currawong butchering a pigeon

 

Spotted a Pied Currawong butchering a Crested Pigeon carcass yesterday at Kelly’s Swamp, Jerrabomberra Wetlands (see video)

When I first saw it, the currawong was lying on its side on the ground, tugging at the carcass. Shortly afterwards, it dragged it up onto a nearby branch and continued plucking feathers and working on the pigeon.

What I found particularly interesting was how it tucked the pigeon’s neck into the crook of the branch to gain leverage while pulling at it. Each time the carcass slipped and fell to the ground, the currawong followed, retrieved it and repositioned it in the same or another branch fork before continuing. This happened several times.

Fascinating to watch what appeared to be a deliberate technique for handling the carcass!

​currawong.mp4​

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