Carrion Crow: A Clever & Misunderstood Bird

About Carrion Crow

Carrion crows (Corvus corone) are one of the most widespread and familiar birds in the world. They belong to the family Corvidae, which also includes ravens, magpies, and jays, and are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and distinctive vocalizations. These black-feathered birds are found in many habitats, from urban parks and gardens to farmland, forests, and coastal areas, and are often seen foraging for food in groups or pairs.

One of the most remarkable traits of carrion crows is their intelligence. Research has shown that they possess complex cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, tool use, and social learning. For example, carrion crows have been observed using sticks or wire to extract food from crevices or containers, and even fashioning hooks out of twigs to retrieve food placed out of reach. They also exhibit a remarkable ability to recognize human faces and remember individual people who have treated them kindly or negatively.

Carrion crows have long been part of human folklore and mythology, often depicted as ominous or mysterious creatures with supernatural powers. In some cultures, they are associated with death and the underworld, and are seen as messengers of doom or guides for the dead. In Scottish folklore, a group of crows is called a “murder,” and it was believed that if a crow perched on your roof, it was a sign of impending death, but not all tales about crows carry a negative message. In one tale from the Haida people of the Pacific Northwest, Crow steals the sun from the Sky Chief and brings light to the world.

Despite their negative reputation in some cultures, carrion crows are fascinating and complex creatures that have much to teach us about the natural world and our own cognitive abilities. By learning more about these birds, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth and the intricate relationships between different species.

Details:

• Size: Length 46-52 cm / 8-20 in, wingspan 90-100 cm / 35-39 in
• Color: Black feathers with a glossy sheen
• Diet: Omnivores including small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and carrion
• Distribution: Europe and Asia
• Natural habitat: Woodlands, farmland, urban areas, and coastal regions
• Family: Crow family, which also includes ravens, rooks, and jackdaws
• Conservation status: ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List

Appearance

The carrion crow is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 50 cm in length. It has glossy black feathers and a distinctive, strong beak that it uses to crack open nuts and other challenging food items. It is often mistaken for the very similar-looking hooded crow (Corvus cornix), but can be distinguished by having the entire plumage entirely black, its larger size, and its heavier bill. From a picture, the bird looks almost the same as a raven, but in reality, the latter is a much bigger species. Carrion crow is much harder to be distinguished from an immature Rook but you can tell the difference by their bill. The crow has a much blunter and thicker bill.

Behavior

Carrion crow is known for its intelligence and problem-solving abilities. It is a social bird that forms strong pair bonds with its mate, and often lives in groups or flocks. It has been observed using tools to obtain food, and even recognizing individual humans who pose a threat to its nest.

In terms of diet, the carrion crow is an omnivore, eating everything from carrion and small mammals to insects and seeds. It is also known for its habit of raiding the nests of other bird species to steal eggs and chicks.

Conservation Challenges & Protection

Despite its reputation as a nuisance bird, there is no evidence to suggest that carrion crows are overpopulated or overtaking other bird species. They are a common and widespread species with stable populations and 2hile they are known to be aggressive towards other birds, carrion crows are also an important part of their natural ecosystem and play a valuable role in controlling populations of insects and small mammals.

Overall, their population levels are considered to be in balance with their natural habitat, and they are not currently causing any significant negative impacts on other species or the environment. Therefore, the image of carrion crow seen as a pest by some farmers and landowners is unfair and the bird being subject to persecution and hunting, is unjustified. It is we humans, who are expanding into their natural habitat, just carrion crows proved to be smart and resilient enough to survive urbanization, unlike many species whose populations are shrinking because of the loss of their habitat.

Gallery of Carrion Crow