The Black Currawong, Strepera fuliginosa also known locally as the Black Jay is a medium-sized omnivorous songbird native to Australia.
The Black Currawong is confined and endemic to the temperate forests of Tasmania and two islands in the Bass Strait. It can become very tame, much like its close relative, the Pied Currawong on the Australian mainland.
There are three subspecies of the Black Currawong:
- The nominate form Strepera fuliginosa fuliginosa of Tasmania,
- Strepera fuliginosa parvior of Flinders Island and
- Strepera fuliginosa colei of King Island.
The Black Currawong is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. One of its subspecies, Strepera fuliginosa colei of King Island is Vulnerable to extinction.
Description:
It is about 45 cm long and has all black plumage except for a small white patch in the wing and a white-tipped tail.
Nesting / Breeding:
Like all Currawongs, it builds a large cup-nest out of sticks, lined with softer material, and placed in a tall tree.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). 2006 I U C N Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 9 December 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
Currawongs … Curranwong Photo Gallery
