Torresian Crow
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Corvus Species: orru
Binomial name
Corvus orru

Its range occupies the tropical north of Australia as far south as Brisbane on the east coast where the species seems to be adjusting well to a city life. Over much of this range, it is simple to distinguish from other species, as it is the only corvid found in northern Australia. The form described here is the mainland Australian race C. orru ceciliae but other races occour on various islands to the north such as C. orru orru (the nominate form from Papua New Guinea and the Moluccas, C. orru insularis from New Britain and nearby islands and lastly C. orru latirostris of Tenimber and Barbar Islands.

Adaptable and intelligent like its North American, European, African and Asian relatives, it has learned how to kill and eat the introduced poisonous Cane Toad without ingesting the poison by flipping it onto its back and delivering a lethal blow with its powerful bill. It is a little more wary than the southern corvids and seems to recognize the significance of anyone carrying a gun and quickly makes itself conspicuous by its absence.

• Food: A typical crow in that it will take just about anything. It has been seen taking stranded fish on the seashore, carrion, human food scraps, fruit and insects.
• Nest: Two to four eggs in large stick nest high in a tree.
• Voice: Quite different from the Australian Raven. A nasal uk-uk-uk-uk-uk or sometimes an ok-ok-ok-ok.

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