Species Profile
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornix
Hooded Crow
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
4–16 years
Length
44–51 cm
Weight
430–650 g
Wingspan
84–100 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Grey Crow, Scotch Crow, Hoodie Crow, Hoodie Bird
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Appearance
The Hooded Crow is a distinctive bird with a grey body, black head, wings, and tail. Its size is comparable to that of the Carrion Crow, and it has a sturdy build and a thick, slightly curved black bill.
Both sexes look alike, although females are marginally smaller than males. There are no seasonal variations in plumage.
Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly duller appearance with less defined grey areas. Immature birds have blue-grey eyes, and the inside of their beaks is pinkish-red rather than the dark grey of adult birds.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- 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
Hooded Crows are found across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and parts of the Middle East. They inhabit various environments, including woodlands, agricultural areas, coastal regions, and urban settings.
In the UK, Hooded Crows are primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the north and east, where they replace the Carrion Crow. Their range extends into Northern Ireland but is rare in England and Wales.
During winter months, the UK’s resident population of hooded crows increases with the arrival of overwintering birds that migrate from Scandinavia after the breeding season. These temporary residents may be spotted along the eastern coast of Scotland and England.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Hooded Crows have a varied diet, including insects, small mammals, birds' eggs, carrion, and plant matter. Small quantities of weeds, seeds and grain are also eaten.
They are known to drop hard-shelled molluscs from heights to crack them open. In urban areas, they often scavenge human food waste, displaying adaptability in their feeding habits.
Behaviour
Hooded Crows are highly intelligent and social birds, often seen in small groups or pairs. They are known for their problem-solving abilities, using tools to access food. These birds are opportunistic feeders, frequently scavenging in urban areas and showing bold behaviour around humans.
Calls & Sounds
The Hooded Crow's call is a harsh, raspy 'kraa' or 'kraah', similar to other crows but slightly higher-pitched. They also produce a variety of softer calls and guttural sounds during social interactions. In flight, they may emit a repeated 'uk-uk-uk' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Hooded Crows form monogamous pairs and breed from March to June. They engage in aerial displays and mutual preening during courtship.
Nests are typically built high in trees or on cliff ledges, constructed of sticks and lined with softer materials. 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 4-5 weeks but remain dependent on adults for several more weeks.
Conservation
While the Hooded Crow is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, local populations may face threats from habitat loss and persecution. In some areas, they are considered agricultural pests, leading to control measures. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and educating the public about their ecological role.
Population
Estimated: Unknown
Trend: Stable
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large raptors such as eagles and goshawks, as well as mammals like foxes and martens, particularly for eggs and nestlings.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Hooded Crows in open landscapes, parks, and urban areas
- Listen for their distinctive harsh 'kraa' call
- Observe their intelligent behaviour, such as tool use or problem-solving
- In the UK, focus on northern and eastern Scotland, where they are more common
Did You Know?
- Hooded Crows can recognise and remember individual human faces for years.
- They have been observed creating and using tools in the wild.
- In some areas, Hooded Crows hybridise with Carrion Crows where their ranges overlap.
- They were once considered the same species as the Carrion Crow before becoming recognised as a distinct and separate species in 2002
- They have also been observed to demonstrate awareness of their own body size, using this knowledge to their advantage to feed safely.
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