Hooded Crow

1. Bird Name
The bird being studied for this profile is known as the Hooded Crow. Its scientific (Latin) name is ‘Corvus cornix.’

2. Appearance
The Hooded Crow is a medium to large sized bird, primarily recognized by its striking two-tone coloration. Its body and wings are a deep gray, while its head, breast, and belly are a contrasting black, resulting in a hooded appearance giving this species its name. It has a straight stout beak, perfect for foraging and pecking, and its eyes are a pale blue-gray. Both the male and female Hooded Crows share this appearance, with no sexual dimorphism in color or size.

3. Size
On average, an adult Hooded Crow’s length ranges from 44 to 51 cm, with a wingspan that can reach between 84 to 100 cm. These birds generally weigh between 370 to 650 grams, making them a sturdy bird of the crow family.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Hooded Crow has a broad geographical range, found across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. They are often seen near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, but also thrive in agricultural land and human-dominated areas, including city parks, streets, and farmland. Interestingly, in winter, they prefer woodland habitats.

5. Interesting Facts
Despite being in the crow family, Hooded Crows are quite solitary in comparison to their often highly sociable crow cousins. They are also known for their intelligence, demonstrated through their problem-solving and tool-using abilities. Culturally, in some folklores, they represent mystery and magic due to their cleverness and striking appearance.

6. Diet
Hooded Crows are omnivore, known to be opportunistic when it comes to food. Their diet includes a variety of food items, such as insects, worms, seeds, fruits, small mammals, carrion, and even human waste.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Hooded Crow is a diurnal bird, active during the day with a high level of intelligence, often seen manipulating their environment to find food. They have a variety of calls but are most known for their ‘kraa’ sound that is often repeated three or four times. Mating pairs also have unique calls that seem specific to their partnership.

8. Conservation Status
The Hooded Crow is currently classified as being of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List. This means that, presently, they are not threatened or endangered and have a stable population.

9. Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a Hooded Crow in the wild is about 10 years. This can extend up to 16 years in captivity given the right conditions, demonstrating the hardy nature of this species.

10. Additional Notes
Locally, the Hooded Crow is often known as ‘Grey Crow’ in English. While it can be seen as a pest due to its tendency to raid crops and scavenge waste, it still plays a vital role in the ecosystem. As an omnivore, it helps control the population of certain pests and acts as a scavenger, thus contributing to the recycling of nutrients in their habitat.