Many of the UK’s most common corvids – members of the crow family – sport all-black plumage, which can make identification a bit of a headache. But once you know what to look for, there are easy ways to tell the difference. And it’s worth making the effort, because what they lack in colour corvids definitely make up for in brain power – they’re some of the smartest animals on the planet and their entertaining antics are fascinating to watch!
Crows are really adaptable and can thrive in many different habitats. They could turn up anywhere from big cities to the seaside. You’ll also spot them on farmland, moorland, woodland and in suburban gardens. They’re widespread across the UK, except in the north and west of Scotland, and Ireland, where they’re largely replaced by the distinctive grey and black Hooded Crow. Hooded Crows and Carrion Crows do sometimes interbreed resulting in interesting colour variations along the borders of their range.
Carrions Crows (usually just referred to as ‘Crows’) are often seen on their own, flying low over fields and gardens, or sitting in trees or on fence posts looking for their next meal. You do also see them in pairs or small groups, and like most corvids, they become a bit more sociable in winter, even joining mixed flocks of Rooks and Jackdaws. They’re opportunistic birds and have a broad diet, eating everything from scraps on city streets, to seeds and fruits, carrion (hence their name), eggs and young birds. They will visit garden feeders, most often making nervous hit-and-run raids on open bird tables.
Crows build their stick nests in a variety of locations, including on buildings, cliffs, pylons and trees. They tend to be more secretive about their nests than Rooks or Magpies.
In Japan, Carrion Crows have been seen dropping nuts onto roads, waiting for cars to drive over them and crack open the outer shell, dashing out to retrieve their tasty treat when the traffic lights turn read!