Australian Ravens in Cottesloe

As with all native birds and animals, feeding Ravens allows them to breed and increase populations to levels that is damaging to the environment because it creates imbalance in the ecosystem. Feeding Ravens reduces their natural ability to forage for their own food and encourages their presence in Cottesloe.

The Australian Raven (Raven) is the largest member of the Corvid family of birds in Australia. Some people call the Raven a "Crow". They are large, black birds with a long bill and elongated throat feathers (hackles) that are obvious when they call. The call is an audible croaking slow, high ah-ah-aaaah.

The Raven is highly intelligent and hence it has adapted well to urbanisation. In fact Raven numbers have increased in suburbia because they have benefited from increased access to rubbish and food waste.

Behaviour and damage

Ravens are omnivorous, eating insects, meat, seeds and fruit. Ravens can open parcels of rubbish and food. The main disturbance associated with Ravens is the noise that they make when they call. Ravens can break open and scavenge in rubbish bins and damage property, such as windows and cars.

Ravens also negatively impact on biodiversity. They attack other birds and prey on their young. When large birds, like Ravens, establish their territory in an area the smaller birds, like honeyeaters, are less abundant.

Ravens may also represent a health risk by contaminating items with their droppings, scavenging in eating areas and depositing food items in drinking fountains, water bowls, and bird baths.

What Can You Do to Help?

• Don't feed native animals or birds
• Clear away food scraps and excess pet food
• Dispose of fruit that falls from trees
• Cover compost heaps or use a compost bin
• Secure chicken pens and keep them maintained
• Do not overfill rubbish bins
• Make sure your bin is properly closed and secured
• Don't litter