Corvids: how to identify the crow family
There are eight different species of corvid in the UK! Once you know what to look for, there are easy ways to tell the difference.
Scientists have shown that Jackdaws can recognise individual human faces.
Birds and wildlife
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaGroup: CrowsUK Conservation status:Green
How to identify
This is a small black crow with a distinctive silvery sheen to the back of its head. Its pale eyes stand out from its plumage. The Jackdaw's call – a familiar hard 'tchack' – gives it its name. It will often nest in chimneys, buildings, rock crevices and tree holes.Call
Jackdaw
Patrik Åberg / xeno-canto
Key features to look out for
- Smaller than Crows and Rooks
- Short, stubby beak
- Black body, with a grey ‘hood’ around the back of the head and a black cap
- Distinctive pale blue-grey eyes
- Males and females look similar, juveniles are browner with darker eyes
- They often live near people and are slightly less timid than the larger corvids
Where and when to see them
Jackdaws aren’t as common in big urban centres, but they will live in smaller towns and villages, or older suburbs where there are houses with chimneys.
They also live in parks, woods, farmland and around sea cliffs. They will visit gardens looking for food or nesting materials, and come to feeders and bird tables, but they don’t tend to hand around for long.
Key
- Resident
- Passage
- Summer
- Winter
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Behaviour
Jackdaws seem to be more comfortable with people than Crows or Rooks, though they’re still cautious. They often nest in buildings and can be seen perched on chimneys and rooftops, or walking around pavements looking for food, often singly or in pairs.
In the air, they have a faster flight than the bigger corvids and can be very playful, with tumbling aerobatics. In the winter, Jackdaws often come together in groups to roost, sometimes with Rooks, and perform noisy display flights at dusk and dawn.
They eat insects, seeds and fruit, but will also take eggs and young birds.
Nesting
Jackdaws are well known for nesting in chimneys, but they also nest in outbuildings, large buildings like churches, on cliffs, in tree holes, or in large nest boxes.
Did you know?
Your Jackdaw questions answered
How can I identify a Jackdaw?
Jackdaws are all black but have a pale grey head and neck with striking pale eyes. Jackdaws often travel in noisy groups and can create large flocks in winter for roosting.
What does a Jackdaw eat?
Jackdaws are omnivores. They eat insects, seeds, fruit, grains and scraps, and may also take small animals and eggs.
Where do Jackdaws nest?
Jackdaws nest in holes and cavities, including chimneys, buildings, cliffs, trees and nest boxes.
When do Jackdaws nest?
Jackdaws usually nest from April to June, raising one brood each year.
Do Jackdaws migrate?
Most UK Jackdaws are resident all year, although some birds move south in winter and others arrive from Europe.
When do Jackdaws arrive in the UK?
Jackdaws can be seen in the UK throughout the year, so they don't have a specific arrival time.
When do Jackdaws leave the UK?
Most Jackdaws stay in the UK all year, although some birds migrate or move south during winter.
How long do Jackdaws live?
Jackdaws tend to live for around 5 years in the wild, with some surviving longer, with the maximum age of a ringed bird being 18 years.
Are Jackdaws rare in the UK?
No. Jackdaws are common and widespread across much of the UK, particularly in farmland, towns and villages.
What birds look similar?
Crows can look similar but they are larger and lack the silver head. Learn how to identify the crow family