jackdaw

1. Bird Name
The bird under consideration is commonly known as the Jackdaw. Its scientific (Latin) name is Corvus monedula.

2. Appearance
Jackdaws are distinguished by their silver-grey nape and distinctive pale eyes, which contrast with their otherwise predominantly black plumage. The beak is small, slender, and black, while their eyes are a striking whitish color. The body feathers are often glossy, appearing in shades of violet or blue depending on the light angle. There is no recorded sexual dimorphism, with both males and females resembling each other very closely in size and coloration. Jackdaws are one of the smaller species in the crow family, thus they are relatively easy to identify.

3. Size
On average, Jackdaws measure about 34 cm (13 in) in length. Their wingspan stretches on average between 62 – 75 cm (24 -30 in). This bird weighs in the range of 220 – 270 grams (7.8 – 9.5 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Jackdaws are native to Europe and western Asia. They dwell in a variety of habitats, primarily in farmland, woodland, coastal cliffs, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable and can be found around human habitation, even in large cities.

5. Interesting Facts
Jackdaws are known for their remarkable problem-solving skills and sharp intelligence. Contrary to most bird species, Jackdaws prefer to nest in holes, buildings, or even chimneys. Another fascinating fact about Jackdaws is their social nature; they form strong, monogamous relationships and often gather in large, noisy groups. In ancient Greek mythology, Jackdaws were sacred to Apollo, the god of music and prophecy.

6. Diet
Jackdaws are omnivorous birds. Their diet mainly consists of a variety of insects, seeds, fruits, and small birds or mammals. They are also known to scavenge for leftovers near human habitats.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Jackdaws are social birds that stay in realms with up to 1,000 individuals. They are known for their playful behavior and aerial acrobatics. Jackdaws communicate using a distinctive, high-pitched ‘kya’ cry, which they use to alert each other of potential dangers.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, Jackdaws are categorized as of Least Concern. This means that their population is currently stable, and they are not under immediate threat.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Jackdaws can live up to five years on average. However, the average lifespan can significantly increase in captivity, with a record age reaching up to 17 years.

10. Additional Notes
In other languages, the Jackdaw has names such as ‘Kauw’ in Dutch, ‘Dohle’ in German, and ‘Choucas’ in French. Jackdaws are known for their tendency to interact with humans, especially in urban areas where food sources are readily available. Their role in the ecosystem is important as they help control the population of pests and insects, and they contribute to seed dispersal, aiding in plant propagation.