Carrion Crow
ExploreBirds
Carrion Crow
Corvus corone
Carrion crows are clever birds with shiny black feathers. They often gather in groups and can be seen hopping around parks and fields.
Habitat: Open fields, parks, and woodlands
Appearance
The Carrion Crow is a medium-sized bird entirely covered in sleek, glossy black plumage, including its strong beak and legs. It has a robust, compact body shape, visually distinct from the shaggy-throated raven or the grey-necked hooded crow.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusCorvus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
9
Interesting facts
Carrion crows sometimes 'mob' larger birds of prey, working together to chase them out of their territory!
Crows sometimes engage in playful behavior, like sliding down snowy roofs or dropping and catching objects mid-flight!
These clever birds have been observed dropping nuts onto roads, letting cars crack them open for an easy meal!
They can remember human faces for years, even alerting other crows to "dangerous" people they recognize!
Special abilities
Ability
Clever Toolmaker
Carrion Crows can use twigs or stones as tools to access food because this helps them forage efficiently for hidden treats.
Ability
Puzzle Solver
Carrion Crows can solve complex puzzles to get food because their high intelligence helps them adapt to new challenges easily.
Ability
Memory Master
Carrion Crows can remember individual human faces for years because this intelligence helps them identify friends or foes.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 45-50 cm
- Wingspan
- 84-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.4-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Speed
- 55 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-6
- Incubation
- 18-19 days
Diet & Feeding
Carrion Crows are omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from insects and seeds to human refuse!
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Worms
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Carrion
- Eggs
- Small mammals
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Eaten by
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Crows can occasionally fall prey to swift peregrine falcons.
Hunts
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
Carrion Crows frequently prey on eggs and nestlings of smaller birds.
Eats
Black Slug
Arion ater
Slugs and other invertebrates are a common and nutritious food source.
Hunts
Wood Mouse
Apodemus sylvaticus
Crows will opportunistically hunt small mammals like mice.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
Black CrowCorvid
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Carrion crows are not dangerous, but it's best to enjoy watching them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Carrion Crow?
Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How long is Carrion Crow?
45-50 cm
What is Carrion Crow's wingspan?
84-100 cm
How much does Carrion Crow weigh?
0.4-0.6 kg
How long does Carrion Crow live?
10-15 years
How fast can Carrion Crow move?
55 km/h
What does Carrion Crow eat?
Carrion Crows are omnivores, eating almost anything they can find, from insects and seeds to human refuse!
Where is Carrion Crow usually found?
Open fields, parks, and woodlands
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