The much-maligned Pied Currawong

The Pied Currawong is a medium-sized bird – a bit bigger than a Magpie – all black with a white patch at the base of the tail, some white tips to the tail feathers, a white patch in the wings and a yellow eye-ring. The white patches are particularly visible in flight. Pied Currawongs have large powerful bills.

(Click on images for a larger view)

There are three species of currawongs in Australia and several races. They are closely related to magpies and butcherbirds. We also have the Grey Currawong in West Gippsland but this bird appears close to human habitation far less often than the Pied Currawong. 

L: Pied 'curra-cawong'          R: Grey 'chaling-chaling'

Some describe the Pied Currawong as sinister or menacing but I hope to dissuade you of this view.

At the moment, late autumn to early winter, the number of Pied Currawongs in urban areas begins to build. In our district, the birds come down from the higher country and spend winter in the warmer lowlands. Normally they are alone or in small family parties but at this time of year they can gather into flocks of twenty or more.

If you can hear a far reaching, drawn out ‘curra-cawong’call, or sometimes a clear wolf whistle, you have identified a Pied Currawong. Their calling becomes especially animated as they settle down to roost in some tall eucalypts at sunset or as their day begins, just after dawn.

Pied Currawongs are well distributed throughout the eastern half of Australia, where they prefer to inhabit tall eucalypt forests and woodlands and are becoming increasingly well-adapted to urban areas.

The comprehensive diet of the Pied Currawong can include seeds, insects, fruit, scraps, leftover pet food, lizards, other small birds (a favourite), gliders and small possums, etc. The predilection for preying on small birds is one of the reasons we have Pied Currawongs (and ravens), in good numbers in Drouin. Our town is well endowed with small birds that inhabit our parks, gardens, wetlands and bush reserves.

Some researchers believe that the decline of small bird species in urban areas is due to the influx of raven and currawong species. Others say it is more to do to with the clearing of habitat for developments. Provided there is habitat for small birds to occupy and in which to seek refuge, a state of balance between the dietary preferences of larger birds and the survival of the smaller ones, is achievable.

It is worth keeping in mind that domestic cats and other animals are responsible for killing far more small birds than are currawongs or ravens and that currawongs and ravens themselves have to often defend their own nestlings from other raiding birds such as Grey Butcherbirds, Kookaburras and Magpies. 

All’s fair in love and nature.

Some urban tree stories from around the world

Often underestimated, trees can be powerful tools for addressing many modern urban challenges while increasing community well-being.

Bringing back the green to Bangkok, Thailand

The urban nightmare of Bangkok is slowly being alleviated by projects initiated through formalised groups  – Government, commercial entities and citizen bodies – working together to increase canopy, restore the canal system, etc. The rehabilitation of significant trees is just one project helping to increase the greenery and improve the lifestyle of residents of this crowded city.

The cooling of Phoenix in the USA

Phoenix averages above 37⁰C on more than 100 days every year. Urban growth has caused temperatures to climb by as much as 3-5⁰C in recent years and electricity consumption has increased dramatically. The Mayor and the City Council adopted the ‘Tree and Shade Master Plan’ in 2010, which focuses on increasing the tree and shade canopy. It is, “… an investment strategy of creating a healthier, more liveable and prosperous Phoenix”, said the Mayor.

Independencia, a district of Lima in Peru, is combating the threat of landslides with trees

At least 1 million residents of Independencia have great views but they live with the constant threat of landslides destroying their fragile homes. The creation of mountain-side forest parks is underway to help stabilize the land and provide amenity value.

Tree seeds are given to the public - Credit Bangkok Post

Phoenix public pushed for more shade - Credit Phoenix Business Journals

Independencia hillside - Credit Wikimedia Commons

In China, Beijing’s notorious air pollution is being abated

The more than 21 million population of this city have to endure some of the worst air pollution in the world. However, the city is being transformed by the establishment of huge areas of urban forest. The afforestation is not only cleaning the air but is also providing neighbourhoods with valuable spaces for recreation.  Public satisfaction with the project is as high as 94%.

A neglected urban forest in Nairobi, Kenya, has been turned into an asset

A 1000Ha Karura forest earmarked for development has had its fortunes turned around by public campaigns. Public participation – as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution – has become vital for addressing environmental problems and bringing about sustainable development.

The urban forest of Vancouver, Canada, is surviving the ravages of ‘development’ through community engagement

The challenges of development and climate change are being addressed by the Government’s ‘Greenest City’ vision and a ‘Protect, Plant and Manage’ strategy. The city’s collaborative approach and partnerships will help ensure the reversal of canopy loss. Vancouver’s urban forest includes every tree in the city – on streets, in parks and public spaces, and in back yards. 

Public Park Beijing - Credit VCG.org

Nairobi pupils launch a tree planting initiative - Credit Aga Kahn Development Network

Tree-lined Vancouver street - Credit City of Vancouver

Urban tree forestry is a worldwide movement. Forests and trees have the power to transform cities into greener, healthier and happier places in which to live. As the world continues to urbanize, integrating forests and trees into sustainable urban development strategies is essential for progressing towards making our cities more liveable.