The large-billed crow

A large-billed crow is seen among the rocks at Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan District. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The large-billed

The large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), with a glossy black plumage, has a robust body and a notably large bill, which sets it apart from other crow species. Measuring 50 centimeters long with a wingspan of around 1 meter, these birds are impressive as they glide through the skies of Shenzhen.

身披闪着金属光泽的“黑衣鸟”大嘴乌鸦，有着粗壮的身体和比其他鸦科鸟类大得多的喙。身长50厘米，长约1米的宽大翅膀赋予了它们飞翔的身姿独特的魅力。

These adaptable birds can thrive in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas, including parks and gardens near human settlements. This adaptability allows them to find different food sources and suitable nesting sites.

A large-billed crow is catching fish at Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan District. 

A resident species, it establishes territories within its preferred habitats and remains there throughout the year, taking advantage of Shenzhen's favorable climate.

大嘴乌鸦能够适应各种各样的生境，无论是森林绿地，还是公园住宅区，都不难发现它们的踪影。这种极强的适应能力，让它们不为吃住发愁。本物种为留鸟，因偏好深圳的温暖气候而长期安顿下来，不事迁徙。

Large-billed crows have an omnivorous diet, consuming a wide range of food, but they are primarily scavengers. These opportunistic feeders scavenge for plant matter and small animals. Their diet includes fruits, seeds, grains, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and bird eggs. By consuming such diverse food sources, these crows play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystems.

大嘴乌鸦属杂事动物，基本上什么都吃，且食腐肉。这些机会主义者以水果、种子、谷物等植物性食物及昆虫、小型哺乳动物、爬行动物和鸟蛋等动物性食物为食。这种多样化的食谱使它们能够调控多个物种的种群数量，对维持当地生态系统的平衡起着至关重要的作用。

A large-billed crow is seen among the rocks at Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan District. 

Their breeding season generally occurs in spring. During this time, they form monogamous pairs and build nests in tall trees or elevated structures. The female lays a clutch of up to six eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. They also care for the hatchlings together. The chicks grow quickly, and within a few weeks, they become independent and leave the nest.

大嘴乌鸦一般在春季繁殖，恪守一夫一妻制，并在高大的树木或建筑的高架结构上筑巢。雌鸟每窝产卵可达 6 枚，卵由双亲孵化约为3 周，雏鸟破壳。雏鸟成长速度较快，由亲鸟轮流照顾几周后便可离巢。