White-winged Chough

Corcorax melanorhamphos ‡

Gelantipy, E Vic IMG_6305 20190312 - melanorhamphos

Notes: Crow-sized sooty black bird w. bold white wing patch usually hidden in folded wing.
Strongly downcurved bill; long black tail. Old plumage w. brownish tinge. Juvenile initially brown
iris, changing to bright red over 5 years. Ssp whiteae like nominate melanorhamphos but smaller.
Gregarious. Noisy piping whistles. Non-breeders assist in family upbringing. Forages in leaf-litter
of open forest, woodland, mallee.

Range from Morcombe^©

Lake Wendoree, Ballarat, C Vic IMG_9283 20210417 - melanorhamphos adult. CLICK for another pic. Wildflower Drive, Strathdale, N Vic IMG_3127 20210119 - melanorhamphos adult. CLICK for another view. Bennetts Rock, Terrick Terrick NP, NC Vic IMG_5670 20200121 - melanorhamphos adult flying. CLICK for another flying up.
Capertee NP, EC NSW 20151124. Cann River Bushland Reserve, SE Vic IMG_6872 20211114 - melanorhamphos juvenile: brown iris. CLICK for a young juvenile:
brown iris, 'loose' plumage. Bennetts Rock, Terrick Terrick NP, NC Vic 20200121. Capertee National Park, EC NSW IMG_6494 20151124 - melanorhamphos adults (may be helpers) and 3 hungry chicks. Wychitella, N Vic IMG_9340 20171106 - melanorhamphos Wildflower Drive, Strathdale, N Vic IMG_3119 20210119 - melanorhamphos adult Lake Monduran, SE Qld IMG_5481 20220622 - melanorhamphos adult (left) feeding juvenile (right) Nason Springs, Warby-Oven Ranges, N Vic IMG_5490 20211109 - melanorhamphos Bowra Sanctuary, Cunnamulla, S Qld MVI_6532 20180618 - melanorhamphos Cann River Bushland Reserve, SE Vic IMG_6874 20211114 - melanorhamphos