By Justin Flynn
The pied currawong is causing quite a stir in the region with Barwon Heads mostly affected by these native eastern Australian birds.
The pied currawong has staked its claim on many local backyards and Voice Nature Watch columnist Jen Carr said that usually spelt trouble for smaller birds.
“If there are many resident currawongs around, the smaller birds would all be driven out,” she said.
“There are also grey currawongs around here.”
The population of pied currawongs on Australia’s east coast has adapted well to habitats favoured by humans. They are nest predators and have a negative influence on smaller birds.
“Currawongs are bigger than magpies, also have a yellow eye, distinct from a red eye of the magpie,” Ms Carr said.
“They are also not as friendly as magpies – they don’t like seeing people or staying around if people are around.
“They eat smaller birds and young birds in nests, so if there are currawongs there are most likely no small birds around.”
Birds in Backyards (www.birdsinbackyards.com) says the pied currawong is “a case of a predator getting out of control”.
“The population of pied currawongs on the east coast of Australia is believed to have increased dramatically with the creation of this favourable habitat by humans. Pied currawongs are voracious nest predators with a strong negative influence on smaller birds in some areas. The pied currawong prefers forests and woodlands, and has become well adapted to suburban areas. Throughout its range it is common and familiar.”
