Eurasian Jackdaw
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
What3Words
///trailers.ripen.grownup
The Eurasian Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula, often listed under Corvus monedula) is a small, highly social member of the crow family (Corvidae) known for its intelligence and adaptability. It is a widespread bird found across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
Appearance:
The jackdaw is identifiable by its glossy black plumage with a contrasting silvery-grey or light grey "shawl" on the back of its head and nape. Adults have distinctive, piercing pale grey or white eyes, which stand out against their dark features. Juveniles are browner with darker eyes.
Size:
It is the smallest of the European crows, measuring around 34–39 cm (13–15 in) in length.
Call:
Its name is onomatopoeic, derived from its common, metallic "tchack" or "chyak-chyak" call, frequently used in flight.
Habitat and Distribution
The Eurasian Jackdaw is a highly adaptable bird, thriving in a variety of open and semi-open habitats. It prefers areas with a mix of large trees, buildings, and open ground.
Range:
Its range extends from Northwest Africa and the British Isles eastward to central Asia and the Himalayas.
Habitat:
Common environments include woodlands, farmland, coastal cliffs, parks, and urban areas. They often nest in human-made structures, such as chimneys and old church towers.
Migration:
Most populations in western and southern Europe are year-round residents, but northern and eastern populations are migratory, moving south in winter.
Behavior and Diet
Jackdaws are notably intelligent and social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks outside of the breeding season. They exhibit complex social structures and are one of the few bird species known for active food sharing.
Social Life:
They form strong, monogamous pair bonds that often last for life. The pair remains close within larger flocks, even when foraging. They perform impressive acrobatic flights in groups, especially at dusk when gathering at communal roosts.
Diet:
As opportunistic omnivores, their diet is highly varied and includes invertebrates (insects, spiders, snails), seeds, fruits, and carrion. They readily scavenge human food waste in urban settings and will visit garden bird feeders for items like suet and peanuts. They occasionally raid the nests of other birds for eggs or nestlings.
Reproduction
Nesting occurs in cavities in trees, cliffs, or buildings, with the female incubating around 4-5 eggs. Both parents feed the young, which fledge about a month after hatching.
Eurasian Jackdaw
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
What3Words
///trailers.ripen.grownup
The Eurasian Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula, often listed under Corvus monedula) is a small, highly social member of the crow family (Corvidae) known for its intelligence and adaptability. It is a widespread bird found across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
Appearance:
The jackdaw is identifiable by its glossy black plumage with a contrasting silvery-grey or light grey "shawl" on the back of its head and nape. Adults have distinctive, piercing pale grey or white eyes, which stand out against their dark features. Juveniles are browner with darker eyes.
Size:
It is the smallest of the European crows, measuring around 34–39 cm (13–15 in) in length.
Call:
Its name is onomatopoeic, derived from its common, metallic "tchack" or "chyak-chyak" call, frequently used in flight.
Habitat and Distribution
The Eurasian Jackdaw is a highly adaptable bird, thriving in a variety of open and semi-open habitats. It prefers areas with a mix of large trees, buildings, and open ground.
Range:
Its range extends from Northwest Africa and the British Isles eastward to central Asia and the Himalayas.
Habitat:
Common environments include woodlands, farmland, coastal cliffs, parks, and urban areas. They often nest in human-made structures, such as chimneys and old church towers.
Migration:
Most populations in western and southern Europe are year-round residents, but northern and eastern populations are migratory, moving south in winter.
Behavior and Diet
Jackdaws are notably intelligent and social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks outside of the breeding season. They exhibit complex social structures and are one of the few bird species known for active food sharing.
Social Life:
They form strong, monogamous pair bonds that often last for life. The pair remains close within larger flocks, even when foraging. They perform impressive acrobatic flights in groups, especially at dusk when gathering at communal roosts.
Diet:
As opportunistic omnivores, their diet is highly varied and includes invertebrates (insects, spiders, snails), seeds, fruits, and carrion. They readily scavenge human food waste in urban settings and will visit garden bird feeders for items like suet and peanuts. They occasionally raid the nests of other birds for eggs or nestlings.
Reproduction
Nesting occurs in cavities in trees, cliffs, or buildings, with the female incubating around 4-5 eggs. Both parents feed the young, which fledge about a month after hatching.