Records and distribution of House Crow Corvus splendens within the eThekwini Municipality from August 2019 to August 2023

Abstract

House Crows Corvus splendens are originally from southern Asia and are considered one of the most invasive birds in the world (Meininger et al. 1980, Nyári et al. 2006, Ryall 2010). They are invading parts of South Africa, mostly along the coastal areas in three provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal) (SABAP2). Here we discuss the distribution of House Crows within the eThekwini Municipality, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 2019–2023 records collected by the eThekwini Municipality and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) officials. The record includes the one known roosting site within the Durban Central and most preferred areas within the city.