The Black Currawong is restricted to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It is found mainly in wet forests in the centre and west of the island.

It seems to have a fair amount of dark brown as well as black on the plumage. It has a yellow eye and white tips to its wing and tail feathers. Immatures have a dark eye and yellow gape.

It is distinguished from the Tasmanian race of Grey Currawong S. versicolor arguta by its all black undertail coverts and its massive black bill with a noticable hook on the upper mandible.