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Jungle Crow (Large-billed Crow)
Primary flight feather (Remiges); likely an outer primary (P7-P9) due to distinct asymmetry.

Jungle Crow (Large-billed Crow)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Corvus, Species: Corvus macrorhynchos

Family: Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading vane and a broad trailing vane. The tip is slightly rounded to pointed, and the feather has an elongated, curved profile characteristic of powerful flyers.
Size
Approximately 18-22 cm (7-9 inches) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of a Large-billed Crow which typically fall in the 15-25 cm range depending on exact wing position.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most abundant and adaptable bird species within its geographic range.
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Description

This is a primary flight feather from a Large-billed Crow, a robust bird known for its massive bill and deep, resonant 'caw'. The bird itself is entirely black with a prominent forehead and a heavy, slightly arched beak. It is a highly intelligent scavenger and predator often seen in large nomadic flocks or pairs.

Colour & Pattern

Uniformly charcoal black to deep soot gray. Under direct sunlight, it may show a slight violet or greenish iridescence characteristic of corvids. There are no banding patterns or spots, which is typical for adult plumage in this species.

Barb Structure

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, aerodynamic surface. The lower portion near the calamus shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure for insulation. The barbs appear somewhat worn at the edges.

Texture & Surface

The surface is somewhat matte with a slight waxy sheen. The texture is stiff and resilient. The trailing edge feels softer than the leading edge, which is reinforced for wind resistance.

Key Features

Solid black coloration, extreme asymmetry of the vane, thick dark rachis, and the specific size profile which is larger than that of a House Crow (Corvus splendens).

Habitat

Extremely versatile: found in forests, mangroves, open woodlands, agricultural lands, and heavily urbanized areas like city centers and parks.

Geographic Range

Widespread throughout East, South, and Southeast Asia, ranging from the Himalayas and Russia down to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Ecological Role

Apex scavenger and opportunistic predator. They play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling pest populations, though they can also impact smaller bird species by preying on nests.

Similar Species

House Crow (smaller, usually has a greyish neck), Carrion Crow (smaller bill, different vocalizations), and Common Raven (much larger with more pointed throat feathers).

Interesting Facts

Jungle Crows are legendary for their intelligence; they have been observed using tools and are capable of recognizing individual human faces. They are also known to drop hard-shelled nuts onto roads so that passing cars will crack them open.

Condition Notes

Fair to Good condition. There is visible wear/fraying along the trailing edge (vane ruffling) and some separation of the barbs near the tip, likely due to natural weathering or contact with vegetation before molting.