Hooded crow (Corvus cornix)

Identification

Adults show a clear two-tone pattern: ash-grey body plumage with glossy black on the head, throat, wings and tail. Size and silhouette are crow-like, with a stout bill and strong legs. Juveniles are duller and may appear mottled. Observers distinguish hooded crows by plumage and vocalizations rather than by size alone.

Distribution and habitat

The hooded crow is native to northern, eastern and parts of southern Europe and extends into regions of the Middle East. It occupies a variety of habitats including open woodlands, agricultural land, coastal zones and urban areas. Regional range details and maps are available through resources describing the European range.

Behavior and diet

Hooded crows are opportunistic omnivores and highly adaptable foragers. Their diet includes invertebrates, small vertebrates, carrion, seeds, fruit and human refuse. They are social birds that may form flocks outside the breeding season, and they display the notable problem-solving abilities characteristic of corvids.

Reproduction and lifespan

These crows typically nest in trees or on man-made structures, building a substantial stick nest lined with softer material. A clutch may contain several eggs; both parents participate in incubation and feeding of young. Lifespan in the wild varies with local conditions but hooded crows can live several years when not facing high levels of predation or human-related hazards.

Taxonomy, hybrids and human interactions

Taxonomically the hooded crow has been treated variously as a distinct species or as a subspecies of the carrion crow. Where ranges meet, the two taxa hybridize in a narrow contact zone, which has drawn scientific interest. Hooded crows are often tolerated in human environments because they scavenge and adapt readily, but they can be viewed as pests where they exploit agricultural or urban food sources. Further notes on classification can be found at taxonomy resources.

• Common name: hooded crow or "hoodie"
• Scientific name: Corvus cornix
• Habitat: varied, from wild to urban