Black Currawong (Strepera fuliginosa)

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The species is generally sedentary, but some birds move from mountain areas to milder lowlands in winter. Breeding is reported from August to December.

Month values are ordered January to December. A value of 0 means not typical, 1 means occurs, and 2 means the period of greatest relevance.

• Movement to lower elevations: Some birds move from mountain areas to milder lowlands during winter. The source does not give more precise movement dates.
• Breeding, nesting and laying: Breeding season is August to December. Clutches contain two to four eggs and nests are placed in tree forks.
• Nestlings and dependent young: Nestlings are fed by both parents during the reported August to December breeding period. The source does not provide fledging dates.
• General foraging and occupancy: The species is generally sedentary and uses habitat throughout the year, with some winter movement from higher to lower elevations.
• Highest clearing risk: Clearing and disturbance are most likely to harm the species from August to December because nests, eggs and dependent young may be present. The sources do not provide a formal disturbance buffer.

Identification

The Black Currawong is a conspicuous, crow-sized passerine with a heavy bill and bright yellow eyes. It is often seen on the ground as well as in trees.

Adults have a black body, heavy black bill, black legs, bright yellow eyes and white tips to the flight feathers and tail.

The species is 47 to 49 cm long. The supplied sources do not provide a body weight.

Immature birds are duller and may have a browner tinge. Juveniles can retain a yellow gape until about two years of age.

Adult length: 47 to 49 cm

Adult plumage: Black body with white wing and tail tips

Eye colour: Bright yellow

Identification: Similar species

The Black Currawong can be separated from ravens by its white wing patches and yellow eyes. Forest and little ravens are similar in size but lack the white wing patches and have white eyes.

It differs from the clinking currawong by lacking a white rump, having larger white wing patches, a heavier bill and a different call.

Grey Currawong and Forest Raven are listed as similar species. The supplied sources do not provide a full diagnostic comparison for Grey Currawong.

Identification: Field signs

The main call is described as a musical, noisy 'kar-week, week-kar'. Another reported call is 'killok killok'. Parents use a long fluting whistle to summon young.

Large, deep stick nests lined with roots and grass are built in tree forks. Nests are usually 3 to 20 m above the ground and nestlings are fed by both parents.

The species forages both on the ground and in tree canopies. Tracks, scats, roost signs and eyeshine are not described in the supplied sources.

Nest materials: Sticks lined with roots and grass

Nest position: Tree forks, usually 3 to 20 m high

Known calls: ‘Kar-week, week-kar’, ‘killok killok’ and a long fluting whistle used by parents

• Listen for the distinctive 'kar-week, week-kar' call during habitat checks.
• Inspect tree forks from 3 to 20 m for large, deep stick nests, particularly from August to December.
• Record sightings of birds feeding on the ground, in tree canopies or around carrion and fruiting vegetation.

Distribution: Range and subpopulations

The Black Currawong is confined to Tasmania and surrounding islands. The supplied sources do not map its distribution by Australian state or bioregion beyond identifying Tasmania, Bass Strait islands and King Island.

The species occurs widely across Tasmania and on many Bass Strait islands. It is absent from the Kent Group.

The King Island form is Strepera fuliginosa colei. It was adversely affected by land clearing for farmland on King Island and is listed as vulnerable in the supplied conservation material.

The species is reported from mountain and lowland areas, coastal heath, grazing land and suburban areas. Some birds move to lower elevations during winter.

Australian states: Tasmania, including Tasmania's surrounding islands

Bass Strait distribution: Present on many islands, absent from the Kent Group

Named subpopulation: King Island, Strepera fuliginosa colei

Bioregions: Not specified in the supplied sources

Distribution: Population and trend

The supplied sources do not provide a population estimate or trend for the species across Tasmania.

An estimated population of around 500 birds is reported for the King Island subspecies. The source identifies habitat clearance and competition with the Forest Raven as possible pressures on that population.

King Island estimate: Around 500 birds

Whole-species estimate: Not provided

Reported trend information: King Island birds may be affected by habitat clearance and competition with Forest Ravens

Habitat: Habitat types

Black Currawongs use a broad range of terrestrial habitats, from wet forest and cool rainforest to alpine heath, coastal heath, grazing land and suburban areas.

Recorded habitat includes mountain and lowland forests, wetter eucalypt forests, cool rainforests, alpine heathland, coastal heath, grazing land and suburban areas.

The species is described as widespread in Tasmania, particularly above 200 m in altitude, but another source also records it from lowland habitats and coastal areas. Site assessments should therefore consider habitat at both higher and lower elevations.

Reported habitats: Mountain and lowland forests, wet eucalypt forest, cool rainforest, alpine and coastal heath, grazing land and suburban areas

Reported elevation pattern: Particularly widespread above 200 m, with records also described from lowland and coastal habitats

Structural features: Trees for nesting, canopy foraging, ground foraging areas and connected vegetation

• Retain mature and potentially suitable nesting trees where practicable.
• Assess connected forest, rainforest, heath and woodland patches rather than treating isolated trees as the only relevant habitat.
• Include grazing land and suburban vegetation in habitat checks where birds are observed using them.

Foraging habitat: Food and foraging method

The Black Currawong is an omnivore that feeds both on the ground and in tree canopies. It may forage alone, in pairs or in larger groups.

Recorded foods include young birds, carrion, insects, berries, invertebrates and small vertebrates.

The species searches on the ground and in tree canopies. It may scavenge around picnic areas and parks and is sometimes regarded as a pest in orchards.

The supplied sources do not identify particular food plant species, foraging distances or home-range sizes.

Feeding levels: Ground and tree canopy

Recorded foods: Young birds, carrion, insects, berries, invertebrates and small vertebrates

Foraging range: Not specified in the supplied sources

• Inspect ground and canopy foraging areas within and beside the proposed work footprint.
• Record fruiting vegetation, mature forest, rainforest, heath and areas where carrion or invertebrate prey may occur.
• Avoid assuming that disturbed or semi-urban habitat is unused if birds are seen feeding there.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs from August to December. Nests are built in tree forks and both parents feed the nestlings.

The nest is a large, deep structure made from sticks and lined with roots and grass. It is usually placed in a tree fork 3 to 20 m above the ground.

Both parents feed the altricial nestlings. The supplied sources do not provide incubation length, age at maturity, lifespan, fledging age or the number of broods per season.

Breeding season: August to December

Clutch size: Two to four eggs

Incubation: Not provided in the supplied sources

Age at maturity: Not provided in the supplied sources

Lifespan: Not provided in the supplied sources

Parental care: Both parents feed the nestlings

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat for projects

Breeding habitat includes trees capable of supporting a large stick nest in a fork 3 to 20 m above ground, together with nearby canopy and ground foraging habitat.

Before clearing, inspect suitable tree forks and listen for adult calls and the long fluting call used to summon young. The sources do not provide a nest-tree diameter, preferred tree species or a disturbance buffer.

• Complete nest checks before tree removal during the August to December breeding season.
• Treat an active nest and the surrounding foraging habitat as a breeding site requiring site-specific management.
• Obtain advice from the project ecologist or relevant authority where an active nest is found within or beside the work area.

Sheltering habitat: Known shelter features

Black Currawongs roost and breed in trees and spend substantial time on the ground while foraging. Detailed shelter requirements are not provided in the supplied sources.

The species roosts and breeds in trees. Breeding nests are placed in forks 3 to 20 m above ground.

The species is less arboreal than the Pied Currawong and spends ample time foraging on the ground. The supplied sources do not describe roost-tree dimensions, tree hollows, burrows, dens, ground-cover requirements or refuge distances.

Known roost location: Trees

Known nest height: Usually 3 to 20 m

Hollows, burrows and dens: Not described in the supplied sources

• Retain trees with suitable forks and connected canopy where they occur within or beside the work area.
• Check trees and dense vegetation used repeatedly for roosting, calling or feeding.
• Do not rely on the absence of a visible nest as evidence that trees are not used for roosting or shelter.

Threats: Documented threats

The clearest documented project risk is removal of habitat, especially on King Island. The supplied sources provide limited information on roads, fire, disease and hydrology change for this species.

Land clearing for farmland adversely affected the Black Currawong on King Island.

The King Island subspecies may also be affected by competition with the Forest Raven.

Clearing can remove nesting trees, canopy foraging habitat and ground foraging areas. These effects are particularly relevant where works remove mature trees or break up forest and woodland patches.

Documented habitat threat: Land clearing for farmland on King Island

Documented biotic pressure: Possible competition with Forest Ravens on King Island

Project-sensitive resources: Nest trees, canopy, ground foraging areas and connected vegetation

• Map all records, suitable nesting trees and connected habitat before clearing.
• Avoid removing trees with active nests during the August to December breeding season.
• Retain habitat links and nearby feeding areas where practicable, especially in King Island project areas.

Threats: Other project pathways

The supplied sources do not report species-specific effects from roads, vehicle strike, altered fire regimes, disease, hydrology change, fragmentation or introduced predators.

These pathways should still be considered in a project assessment where they remove or alter the forest, heath, wetland margin or other habitat used by the species. Site records and the relevant conservation advice should guide controls.

• Control access and vehicle movement near active nests and repeatedly used feeding areas.
• Assess whether temporary works, drainage or changed fire management will alter nearby habitat.
• Record and report any injured or dead birds found during clearing or construction in accordance with project procedures.

Survey methodology: 1. Habitat assessment and targeted searches

The Black Currawong is a large, conspicuous Tasmanian endemic that uses mountain and lowland forests, wetter eucalypt forest, cool rainforest, coastal heath, grazing land and suburban areas. It forages both on the ground and in trees, and may move from mountain areas to lower elevations during winter.

Map all suitable habitat within and adjoining the work area before works begin.

Search retained and proposed clearing areas for Black Currawongs by sight and call, including forest, rainforest, coastal heath, grazing land and developed areas with suitable trees.

Record feeding areas on the ground and in tree canopies, because the species uses both strata.

Inspect mature trees and tree forks for large stick nests, particularly during the breeding season from August to December.

Survey methodology: 2. Visual and call-based surveys

Use quiet diurnal searches along representative transects through the work area and adjoining retained habitat.

Record all sightings, calls, groups, feeding activity, flight paths, roosting areas and likely nest trees.

Use the species' distinctive calls, including the reported kar and wheek and killok killok calls, to assist detection.

Give particular attention to yellow eyes, the heavy black bill, black plumage and white tips to the wings and tail when confirming identification.

Adult size: 47 to 49 cm

Breeding season: August to December

Typical nest height: 3 to 20 m above ground

Survey methodology: 3. Seasonal and weather planning

Include survey coverage during the breeding period from August to December when nests and dependent young may be present.

Consider additional searches in winter because birds may move from mountain areas to milder lowlands.

Plan surveys for conditions that allow observers to hear calls and see birds safely, and document any conditions that reduce detection.

No species-specific survey guideline or numerical survey effort is provided in the supplied documents, so apply the current jurisdictional bird survey guidance and increase effort where habitat is fragmented, visibility is poor or works affect likely nest trees.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

• Use a qualified ecologist to set survey effort under the applicable state or territory survey guideline because the supplied documents do not prescribe nights, hours, transect lengths, trapping effort or survey area.
• Do not use trapping as a default method for this bird; rely on habitat assessment, visual searches and call-based detection unless a suitably authorised method is specifically approved.
• Map survey tracks, searched areas, detections, nests, roosts, feeding areas and adjoining retained habitat.
• Record the date, start and finish times, observers, weather, survey conditions, method and detection outcome for each survey.
• Submit confirmed records and relevant negative survey results to the relevant state or territory wildlife database.
• Report any King Island records separately where relevant because the King Island subspecies is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the project around retention of forest, tree forks and connected habitat. The species is protected under the EPBC Act listing provided for the project, and the King Island subspecies is specifically identified as vulnerable in the supplied conservation advice.

• Avoid clearing occupied or suspected nest trees, particularly during the August to December breeding season.
• Retain mature trees, tree forks, forest patches, wetter eucalypt forest, rainforest and coastal heath used for nesting, roosting, feeding or movement.
• Retain connected vegetation between mountain and lowland habitat and between forest patches where practicable.
• Keep ground-foraging areas and nearby trees together rather than retaining isolated trees without surrounding habitat.
• Avoid unnecessary disturbance to adjoining habitat where birds are observed feeding, roosting or moving between retained areas.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and project planning

• Confirm whether the proposed action may affect the EPBC-listed species or the King Island subspecies before finalising the clearing footprint.
• Obtain any required EPBC approval, state or territory wildlife permits, and local clearing or development approvals before disturbance.
• Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies survey results, nest protection, spotter catcher responsibilities, stop-work triggers, relocation arrangements and reporting requirements.
• Stage clearing so that retained habitat is available before adjacent habitat is disturbed.
• Schedule high-disturbance works outside August to December where practicable, while recognising that birds can use habitat in other seasons.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

• Complete a pre-clearance search of all vegetation and ground areas that will be disturbed.
• Mark retained trees, suspected nest trees, exclusion areas, access routes and no-go habitat before machinery enters the site.
• Use exclusion fencing where it can protect retained forest, coastal heath, nest trees or feeding areas from machinery and worker access.
• Brief machinery operators and the fauna spotter catcher on the species' appearance, calls, likely habitat and the daily stop-work procedure.
• Confirm the location of a nearby retained release area before any animal handling is required.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and spotter catcher duties

Black Currawongs may forage on the ground and in tree canopies, so clearing controls must cover both the vegetation being removed and the adjoining retained habitat. The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work when a bird, nest or dependent young is at risk.

• Inspect the work area and exclusion fencing each day before machinery starts.
• Keep the fauna spotter catcher in a position with a clear view of the active clearing face and any trees being felled.
• Maintain direct communication between the spotter catcher, machinery operators and the site supervisor.
• Start each clearing stage with low-speed, controlled vegetation removal so the spotter catcher can identify birds moving through the work area.
• Pause work whenever visibility, access, noise or machinery position prevents the spotter catcher from safely checking the clearing face and adjoining habitat.

During habitat disturbance: Nests, trees and habitat features

• Stop work and establish an exclusion area if a stick nest, nestling, dependent young or breeding adult is found in a tree scheduled for removal.
• Do not disturb a suspected active nest until the project ecologist has assessed it and the relevant approval or permit conditions have been checked.
• Retain tree forks and mature trees wherever practicable because nests are usually built in tree forks 3 to 20 m above ground.
• Inspect ground-foraging areas and adjoining trees before clearing because the species feeds on insects, berries, carrion and small vertebrates on the ground and in trees.
• Do not move logs, rocks or other ground features solely on the assumption that they are Black Currawong habitat; manage them under the project's broader fauna and habitat protection procedures.

During habitat disturbance: If a Black Currawong is found

• Stop the immediate activity if the bird is within the clearing face, is unable to leave safely, or is showing signs of injury or distress.
• Allow the bird to move away naturally whenever it can leave the work area without handling.
• Only an appropriately authorised fauna handler may capture, handle or relocate the bird.
• Relocate a healthy bird only when necessary, using the approved nearby retained habitat identified in the fauna management plan.
• Do not relocate a bird across roads, waterways or unsuitable open areas, and do not release it into habitat that has not been assessed as suitable.
• Place an injured bird in a secure, ventilated container and arrange prompt assessment by a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer.
• Keep people, vehicles and machinery away from the bird until the fauna handler or project ecologist gives clearance to resume work.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

• Stop work for any confirmed or suspected active nest, nestling, dependent young, injured bird or bird trapped by the works.
• Stop work if a Black Currawong repeatedly returns to the clearing face or cannot reach retained habitat safely.
• Record each sighting, call detection, nest, handling event, relocation, injury, mortality, stop-work period and action taken.
• Report incidents through the approval holder's fauna incident process and to the relevant regulator where required by approval or permit conditions.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Complete the fauna response before the site is handed back to construction operations. Follow-up should confirm that retained habitat remains usable and that approval conditions and incident records are closed out.

• Inspect the cleared area and the edge of retained habitat after each clearing stage for injured, trapped or displaced birds.
• Check that exclusion fencing, retained trees and no-go areas remain intact after machinery and vehicle movements.
• Recheck trees and adjoining habitat for nests or dependent young if clearing occurred during August to December.
• Remove temporary hazards such as open pits, unsecured materials and access barriers that could prevent birds from reaching retained habitat.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and controls

• Monitor retained forest, wetter eucalypt forest, rainforest and coastal heath for continued Black Currawong use where the project has removed adjoining habitat.
• Use repeat visual and call-based searches suited to the approval conditions and project risk, and record changes in sightings, feeding activity and movement.
• Maintain exclusion fencing and other fauna controls until the site is stable and the project ecologist confirms they are no longer needed.
• Investigate repeated absence from previously used habitat, repeated disturbance, or mortality near roads and construction areas.

After habitat disturbance: Reporting and offsets

• Provide the regulator and approval holder with survey results, maps, nest records, incidents, handling records, mortality records and rehabilitation results where required.
• Submit confirmed occurrence records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database.
• Check whether the approval requires offsets or other compensatory measures for residual impacts, and implement those measures under the approval conditions.
• Keep records of any King Island subspecies observation separately from mainland or other Tasmanian records.

Rehabilitation actions: Vegetation and structure

Rehabilitation should restore connected vegetation that provides trees for nesting and roosting and ground and canopy resources for an omnivorous bird. Use local ecological information to match the original forest, rainforest or coastal heath community at the site.

• Replant locally native vegetation that matches the pre-clearing forest, wetter eucalypt forest, cool rainforest or coastal heath community.
• Restore a continuous or stepping-stone connection between retained habitat patches where the project has interrupted movement.
• Retain existing mature trees and tree forks wherever safe, because the species nests in large stick nests placed in tree forks.
• Use staged revegetation so that ground cover, shrubs and canopy layers develop around retained trees rather than leaving isolated trees in open ground.
• Do not rely on nest boxes as a substitute for retaining suitable trees unless a qualified ecologist identifies a demonstrated need and an approved design.

Rehabilitation actions: Food resources and site protection

• Restore ground and canopy vegetation that can support the species' recorded diet of berries, insects and small vertebrates.
• Manage weeds so that planted and naturally regenerating native vegetation can establish.
• Control introduced predators and other threats where required by the project approval and relevant management plan.
• Design drainage, access tracks and fencing so that rehabilitated habitat remains connected and does not create avoidable barriers to ground-foraging birds.
• Apply fire management that protects established forest, rainforest and coastal heath while meeting the site's legal and ecological fire requirements.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitoring and success measures

• Monitor survival and growth of plantings, natural regeneration, canopy development, weed cover, connectivity and retention of mature trees.
• Use repeat visual and call-based searches to record Black Currawong presence, feeding, movement, roosting and nesting in rehabilitated and adjoining retained habitat.
• Treat rehabilitation as successful only when the approved vegetation and structural targets are met and the site provides connected habitat with suitable trees and ground-foraging areas.
• Repair failed plantings, damaged fencing, erosion, weed incursions or other defects identified during monitoring.
• Submit rehabilitation monitoring results and any management changes to the approval holder and regulator where required.

Sources

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Australian Government DCCEEW: https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/77-conservation-advice.pdf
• Black Currawong, Australian Museum: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/black-currawong/
• Black Currawong (Strepera fuliginosa) identification - Birda, app.birda.org: https://app.birda.org/species-guide/57560/Black_Currawong