Tamaulipas Crow (us-RGV)
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Regional Information
Range, Abundance, and Seasonal Variations
The Tamaulipas Crow is resident and nests east of Brownsville. It is a rare bird and in recent years only a small number are found in Texas. It is an endemic species in the Tamaulipan Brushlands of Mexico. It was formerly abundant at the Brownsville Landfill in winter but it has not been found at that site in recent years. Most reports now are from the spring when the birds are nesting.
Directions and Maps
When seen, often found east of and north of the Brownsville International Airport. Along Boca Chica Blvd (Highway 4) east of the airport or 511 north to the dump turn off or south along the streets between 511 and the airport. Another location is the Brownsville landfill where they used to be found in winter. [1]
General Information
Previous to 1998 known as the Mexican Crow
Corvus imparatus
Size
Length: 34-38cm (??in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
Sleek looking crow with very glossy plumage which is very soft and silky looking. The bill is quite slender and black, as are the legs and feet.
Similar species
The Sinaloan Crow Corvus sinaloae appears to be genetically extremely close to this bird and can be considered the western form of it though the voice is quite different, indeed a third species, the Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus from the southeastern seaboard of the United States appears to be very closely related to them also and the three may be considered a "Superspecies".
Sounds
Unlike most other species of the genus Corvus. A low croaking sound rather like a frog and a call that is described as a soft "gar-lik".
Feeding & Behavior
It is a sociable bird often forming large flocks, moving together in close groups. Food would appear to be mainly insects taken on the ground though eggs and nestling's are taken in trees as well as many fruits and berries.
Habitat & Nesting
Inhabits near desert scrub and bushland and includes farms, small towns and villages in its range. It also occurs in more humid woodland in open areas but does not appear to be found in the higher mountains or along the seashore. The nest is similar to the American Crow but smaller and is built in a tree or large bush.
Range
Occurrs in a relatively small area in north-eastern Mexico. It reaches the U.S. at Brownsville in southern Texas where it is known to nest.
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