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Monday 22 December 2014

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

The all-black carrion crow is one of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. It is often quite fearless, although it can be wary of man. They are fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs. The closely related hooded crow has recently been split as a separate species. Carrion crows will come to gardens for food and although often cautious initially, they soon learn when it is safe, and will return repeatedly to take advantage of whatever is on offer. [RSPB]





Saturday 20 December 2014

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

Diminutive members of the crow family, jackdaws are renowned for their love - and often theft - of bright, shiny objects. Herein might lie the origins of their common name, as 'jack' is used traditionally to denote something smaller than the norm, and also to refer to a rogue or thief. In both cases the jackdaw doesn't disappoint. The 'daw' is probably an imitation from its cawing call, but can also mean a simpleton. Those with open fires may well consider the jackdaw a pest as their messy nests of sticks and twigs often block chimneys, and have been known to fall down them - bird included.