Hooded Crow
The Hooded Crow is a member of the crow family. It is locally known as a “hoodie” in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Except for the head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, which are black and mostly glossy, the plumage is ash-grey, the dark shafts giving it a streaky appearance. The bill and legs are black. The male is the larger bird, otherwise the sexes are alike.
The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation.
The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England.
Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion.
Date: 10th November 2011
Location: Fidden, Mull, Argyll
The Hooded Crow, with its contrasting greys and blacks, can not be confused with either the Carrion Crow or Rook, both of which are predominantly black. However, the Hooded Crow is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow that for many years it was considered to be a geographical race of a single species. Hybridization observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002 the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation.
The Hooded Crow is widely distributed and can be found across north, east and south east Europe as well as parts of the Middle East. In the UK, the Hooded Crow can be found in north and west Scotland and on the Isle of Man where it replaces the Carrion Crow. Outside the breeding season it occurs across its breeding range and can sometimes be seen in east Scotland and east England.
Like other corvids, the Hooded Crow is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and scavenger and will feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, molluscs, scraps and carrion.
Date: 10th November 2011
Location: Fidden, Mull, Argyll
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Also in: Crows
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