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Birds by name

Hooded crow

Conservation status: Green

The hooded crow is closely related to the carrion crow, which until recently was regarded as the same species. In areas where the two species overlap there may be some interbreeding with hybrids showing a mixed grey and black body plumage. Like carrion crows, hoodies also feed on dead animals. Unlike crows they can be more sociable in the feeding habits and groups of them may be seen together in fields.

Overview

Latin name

Corvus cornix

Family

Crows and allies (Corvidae)

Where to see them

Found in N and W Scotland, N Ireland and on the Isle of Man, where it replaces the carrion crow. Outside the breeding season it is found across the breeding range and is also found, but scarce in E Scotland and even rarer down the eastern side of England. Most of the winter visistors come fron Scandinavia.

When to see them

All year round in the breeding range. Outside this it is best looked for between October and March.

What they eat

Omnivorous - includes carrion

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-213,900 pairs--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Audio

Stuart Fisher, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Hooded crow

Hooded crow
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, grey
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Beak shape: medium
  • Leg colour: black/grey
  • Behaviour: on ground, bird hops on the ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, eats birds/chicks/eggs, eats fruit