Carrion Crow
Corvus corone
The Carrion Crow is a common and widespread bird in Britain, seen in a variety of habitats including woodlands, farmland, and urban areas, particularly in western and northern regions. It can be spotted throughout the year, with peak sightings during the breeding season from March to July.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Carrion Crow in the field.
The Carrion Crow can be identified by its glossy black plumage, stout build, and a distinctive bill that is thick and black, with a slight curvature. Its legs and feet are also black, and it has a broad, rounded tail.
The Carrion Crow is larger than a Jackdaw and slightly smaller than a Raven, but significantly larger than a Starling.
The male Carrion Crow has a sleek, black plumage with a purple or blue sheen in the right light, and its feathers can appear almost iridescent, with no notable seasonal variation.
The female Carrion Crow is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with no distinguishable differences in colour or pattern.
The Carrion Crow's call is a deep, raspy "cronk" or "croak", often repeated in a series of two or three notes, and can be heard throughout the day.
Carrion Crows are omnivorous birds that forage for food on the ground, feeding on insects, seeds, and small animals, and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, often seen flying with a slow, deliberate wingbeat.
The Carrion Crow can be confused with the Hooded Crow, but can be distinguished by its larger size, more massive build, and lack of a grey mantle, as well as its call, which is deeper and more raspy than the Hooded Crow's.
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