The Jackdaw is a small black crow with a grey neck and pale eyes. It is sociable and usually seen in pairs or larger groups. It is quite an acrobatic flier and flocks will often chase and tumble together in flight. On the ground it both walks and hops.
The Jackdaw is one of the smallest species (34–39 cm in length) in the family of crows and ravens. It is omnivorous, eating invertebrates, fruit, seeds, carrion, small vertebrates or eggs, and is found across Europe, western Asia and North Africa.
Perched birds often chatter together, and before settling for the night large roosting flocks make a cackling noise. Like magpies, jackdaws are known to steal shiny objects such as jewellery, to hoard in nests.
Number in Britain
106,000
Conservation Status UK
Green
Status in UK
Resident Breeder/ winter visitor
Length
34-39 cm
Wingspan
70cm
Weight
220g
Habitat
Open woodland, farmland, towns
First Record
12th Century
Egg Size
35x25 mm
Egg Weight
11.1 g
Clutch Size
4-5 eggs
Incubation
20 days
Fledging
32-33 days
Number of broods
1
First clutches laid
Late March
Age at First Breeding
2 years
Typical Lifespan
5 years
Maximum Recorded Age
15 years, 11 months