Species Profile
Carrion Crow
Corvus corone
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Eurasian Crow
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Appearance
The Carrion Crow is a medium-sized bird with entirely black plumage that often displays a glossy, iridescent sheen in sunlight. Its stout, slightly curved beak and strong legs are also black, complementing its dark appearance.
Both males and females look identical, making visual sex determination challenging. Juveniles have a slightly duller plumage and may show a brownish tinge until their first moult.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Iridescent
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Carrion Crows are widely distributed across Europe and parts of western Asia. They inhabit various environments, including woodlands, farmlands, grasslands, and urban areas. These adaptable birds are particularly successful in human-modified landscapes.
In the UK, Carrion Crows are common residents throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, except for the far north, where they're replaced by Hooded Crows. They're also found in parts of Ireland, though less abundantly.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
United Kingdom
England
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
West Midlands
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Carrion Crows are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They feed on carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, worms, seeds, and fruits.
In urban areas, they've adapted to scavenge human food waste. Their intelligence allows them to access food creatively, such as dropping nuts onto roads to crack them open.
Behaviour
Carrion Crows are highly intelligent and social birds. They often gather in small groups to forage, displaying cooperative behaviours.
These birds are known for their problem-solving skills, using tools and exhibiting complex social interactions. They're also territorial during the breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting areas.
Calls & Sounds
The Carrion Crow's call is a distinctive, harsh 'caw' or 'kra', often repeated in a series. They have a varied vocal repertoire, including softer, more melodious sounds used in close social interactions.
Some crows have been observed mimicking human-made sounds in urban settings, showcasing their vocal adaptability.
Nesting & Breeding
Carrion Crows typically form monogamous pairs that may bond for life. The breeding season usually begins in April and extends through June. Males perform aerial displays and offer food to attract mates.
Nests are built high in trees or on man-made structures, constructed with sticks and lined with softer materials like grass, wool, and moss. Females lay 3-6 pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 18-20 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 28-35 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
The Carrion Crow is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, like many birds, it faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change.
In some areas, conflicts with human activities have led to control measures, highlighting the need for balanced management approaches.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Carrion Crows have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to raptors like goshawks and eagle owls, as well as mammals such as pine martens and domestic cats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Carrion Crows in open landscapes, parks, and urban areas
- Listen for their distinctive harsh 'caw' call
- Observe their intelligent behaviour, such as tool use or problem-solving
- In the UK, watch for them in both rural and urban settings
Did You Know?
- Carrion Crows can recognise and remember individual human faces for years.
- They've been observed creating and using tools in the wild, a sign of high intelligence.
- In some parts of their range, Carrion Crows hybridise with Hooded Crows, creating birds with mixed plumage.
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