Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

The Eurasian Jackdaw is native to most of Europe, parts of western Asia, and parts of the Middle East. In North America, they are rare vagrants, with a number of sightings in the northeastern United States and in eastern Canada.

Habitat

Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including agricultural fields and pastures, grasslands, and open woodlands. Birds typically roost in woodlands.

Diet

Omnivorous. Food items may include insects and insect larvae, earthworms, other small invertebrates, fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, eggs, young hatchlings, and refuse.

Behavior

Gregarious, typically found in flocks. Most foraging is done by walking along the ground.

Nesting

Jackdaw pairs often mate for life. The nest is constructed of sticks, placed in a cavity, either in a natural cavity such as in a tree, or also often in man-made cavities and crevices. The female lays between 4 and 6 eggs, and she alone incubates them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help feed the young, who leave the nest after about 4 weeks.

Song

Call of a Eurasian Jackdaw is a crisp " chek " sound.

Migration

Considered a permanent resident throughout much of their range in Eurasia. Some birds do migrate for the winter, including many of those in the northern portion of the breeding range, and many of those that breed in the interior part of Asia.

Interactive eBird Map

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Eurasian Jackdaw sightings

Feeders

Will attend feeders for peanuts and other offered items.

Similar Species

With the lighter-gray plumage on the nape and head, the Eurasian Jackdaw can be differentiated from North American Crow and Raven species, if seen well.

Conservation Status

Populations are found over a wide geographic range, they are common in many areas, and populations may be increasing. The IUCN lists the Eurasian Jackdaw as a species of "Least Concern" .

Photo Information

Photo taken by Jean-Luc - November 2nd, 2007 - Sully-sur-Loire, Centre, France - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License .