Collared Crow

The collared crow (Corvus torquatus), also known as the ring-necked crow or white-collared crow, is a member of the family Corvidae native to China and the north of Vietnam. == Description == It is about 52–55 cm in length—the same size or slightly larger than the carrion crow (C. corone), with proportionately slightly longer wings, tail, and bill. A sleek and handsome bird, it has glossy black plumage except for the back of the neck, upper back (mantle), and a broad band around the lower breast that is white. The bill, legs, and feet are black. It sometimes flies with its feet hanging down below the body in a characteristically "lazy" way. The voice is a loud kaaar repeated several times with other slight variations on it to suit the occasion. It also, like many other corvids, utters strange clipping and clicking sounds during its head-bowing display to another bird. == Distribution and ecology == The range of this species is essentially China, covering large areas of the country, though not further north than Beijing. It occurs in plains and low-lying river valleys in fairly open country and cultivated regions and is a common sight in paddy fields. It tends…