Habitat
Primary forest, mangroves, and occasionally secondary growth. Rarely in open habitats and never on the coast or outlying islands. From sea-level - 500 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging, cobalt mining, and a dam, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Deep, harsh crowing notes, deeper than those of Slender-billed Crow (Corvus enca).
Brown-headed Crow (Corvus fuscicapillus) [XC409478]
by Phil Gregory from Kota Waisai, Kabupaten Raja Ampat, Papua Barat, Indonesia (call)
Brown-headed Crow (Corvus fuscicapillus) [XC409477]
by Ross Gallardy from Kota Waisai, Kabupaten Raja Ampat, Papua Barat, Indonesia (call)
Subspecies
Probably closest to White-billed Crow (Corvus woodfordi), Bougainville Crow (Corvus meeki) and Grey Crow (Corvus tristis), all apparently forming part of an "old endemic" Melanesian group. Subspecies based on small sample sizes, and validity doubtful. Racial affinity of birds on New Guinea mainland not certain.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
megarhynchus Gray, 1859 - Western Papuan Is (Gemien and Waigeo).