New Caledonian crow

bird

Also known as: Corvus moneduloides

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July 16, 2026

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The New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) is a species of bird found in New Caledonia, an island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Crows, in general, are glossy black birds belonging to the genus Corvus and are known for their intelligence and adaptability.12

New Caledonian crows are particularly noted for their sophisticated tool use. They are one of the few animal species, besides humans, that have been observed crafting and using tools to obtain food. They fashion stick-like tools to extract insects from small holes and crevices, demonstrating a remarkable level of problem-solving and ingenuity. This behavior highlights the advanced cognitive abilities found within the crow family (Corvidae), which also includes jays and magpies.13

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crow
Two species—the New Caledonian crow (C. moneduloides) and the ‘alalā, or Hawaiian crow (C. hawaiiensis)—use stick-type foraging tools to obtain food from small holes and crevices. Also, at least one species, the carrion crow (C. corone) has the ability to distinguish between regular and irregular geometric shapes.…
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Two species—the New Caledonian crow (C. moneduloides) and the ‘alalā, or Hawaiian crow (C. hawaiiensis)—use stick-type foraging tools to obtain food from small holes and crevices. Also, at least one species, the carrion crow (C. corone) has the ability to distinguish between regular and irregular geometric shapes.…
Read More