The carrion crow is one of the cleverest, and most adaptable of our birds. It is often quite fearless, taking on all comers, even Buzzards are seen off, although it can be wary of man.
They are fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs. Carrion crows will come to gardens for food and although often cautious initially, they soon learn when it is safe, and will return repeatedly to take advantage of whatever is on offer. Their diet is mainly Invertebrates and cereal grain, also eggs, carrion and scraps.
The Crow is the original ‘Marmite’ bird, - you love him, or hate him - he is beautiful in his magnificent jet black plumage, but most hated by gamekeepers because it is the craftiest of egg thieves.
The Crow will sit on high, surveying all around him. He will remember where new nests are being built, and return to raid the eggs. Later, when trees are leafier and it becomes harder for the nests to be spotted, the crow is quick to observe other birds carrying food to their young and again he makes his merciless pounce; this time he takes the chicks.
Nature is a wonderful leveller, and although the Crow is ruthless in his stealing and hunting, often it is done early in the nesting season, which will result in the victim building a new nest, laying a new brood of eggs, and because a better nest site is chosen, or the weather is warmer, the new brood survive.
Number in Britain
1.6million
Conservation Status UK
GREEN
Status in UK
Resident Breeder, winter breeder
Length
46cm
Wingspan
98cm
Weight
500g
Habitat
everywhere
First Record
7th Century
Egg Size
43x30 mm
Egg Weight
20g
Clutch Size
3-4 eggs
Incubation
18-20 days
Fledging
28-30 days
First clutch laid
Early April
Number of broods
1
Age at First Breeding
2 year
Typical Lifespan
4 years