Species Profile
Jackdaw
Corvus monedula
Jackdaw
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–10 years
Length
34–39 cm
Weight
220–270 g
Wingspan
64–73 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Jackdaw, Western Jackdaw
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Appearance
The Jackdaw is a small, stocky corvid with a distinctive silvery-grey nape and pale blue-grey eyes. Its body is primarily black, with a glossy sheen on the wings and tail, contrasting with the lighter grey of its neck and underparts.
Juveniles appear duller than adults, lacking the silvery nape and blue-grey eyes. There is no significant difference between male and female plumage, though males are slightly larger on average.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- 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
Jackdaws are widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, including woodlands, farmlands, coastal cliffs, and urban areas. They show a particular affinity for human settlements, often nesting in chimneys and old buildings.
Jackdaws are resident year-round in the UK and can be found throughout the country. Some northern European populations undertake short-distance migrations to warmer regions during harsh winters.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
Gloucestershire
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
West Midlands
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Jackdaws are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes insects and small invertebrates in the summer and seeds and fruits in the winter. They also scavenge human food waste in urban areas and have been known to prey on small birds and mammals.
Jackdaws often forage in fields, using their strong beaks to probe the soil for invertebrates. They are notorious for raiding birds’ nests and even stealing the eggs of large water birds and seabirds.
Behaviour
Jackdaws are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks foraging on the ground or perched on buildings and trees. They are known for their acrobatic flight displays, particularly during the breeding season.
These intelligent birds have been observed using tools and solving complex problems in captivity.
Calls & Sounds
Jackdaws are vocal birds with a range of calls. Their most common call is a sharp, metallic 'chyak' or 'jack', often repeated in rapid succession.
During courtship and social interactions, they produce softer, chattering sounds. In flight, they may give a higher-pitched 'kya' call, especially when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Jackdaws form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season typically begins in April, with courtship displays involving aerial acrobatics and mutual preening.
Nests are built in cavities, including tree holes, cliff crevices, and man-made structures. Both partners participate in nest construction, using sticks, twigs, and softer materials for lining. The female lays 4-5 pale blue or blue-green eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 18 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 28-35 days but continue to depend on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While Jackdaws are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and stable population, they face localised threats from habitat loss and persecution.
In some areas, efforts are being made to protect nesting sites in old buildings and provide artificial nest boxes to support urban populations.
Elevation
Up to 1,600 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators of Jackdaws include larger raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, Goshawks, and Eagle Owls. Ground predators like foxes and cats may prey on juveniles or nest contents.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Jackdaws in urban areas, particularly around old buildings and church towers
- Listen for their distinctive 'chyak-chyak' call, which is often heard before the birds are seen
- Observe their social behaviour in flocks, especially during morning and evening roosting times
- In the UK, watch for them in parks and gardens, where they often visit bird feeders
Did You Know?
- Jackdaws can recognise individual human faces and remember whether a person has been threatening or friendly.
- They are one of the few non-mammal species known to engage in eye contact with humans as a form of communication.
- Jackdaws have been observed using cars as 'nutcrackers', dropping nuts on roads for vehicles to crack open.
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