Feb to April Sightings of our Peripatetic Pied Crow–exotic from sub-Saharan Africa
Hi San Diego birders, As many of you know, there has been an African Pied Crow (looks like a black and white raven) that has been roaming around San Diego County, at least since February. (At least I think it is just one bird, tho not sure)
To recap:
–On February 25,26 and 27 2018, it visited the backyard of Elizabeth Castle on Chauncy Rd, nr Oak Riparian Park in Oceanside.
–On March 5 one was seen flying over the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.
–That same week on March 9, it was seen to the south in the Point Loma neighborhood by Chad King and others.
–On March 28 and again on April 6, it was seen back north, hanging out in the area near the intersection of Hwy 76 and South Mission Road by Travis Nelson in Bonsall.
If this is the same bird, it has been traveling around the county quite a bit. They are generally sedentary birds within their large range in Africa. Birds introduced to South America (Brazil) are thought to have been ship assisted. They are not a common caged bird, since they require a great deal of room-sized space. They're resourceful omnivores and eat numerous invertebrates like insects, spiders and mollusks, as well as small vertebrates including rodents, birds and birds’ eggs, lizards, frogs and fish. Small birds and bats may be caught in flight. These birds also scavenge at rubbish dumps and patrol for roadside kill. They also eat plant material such as seeds, roots, fruits, dates, nuts, rice and potatoes.
If anyone sees further sightings of this or these birds, please either post, or let me know off-list, since I am keeping track of their sightings. Thanks!
Susan Smith
Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
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Susan Smith
Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports