Corvus monedula - Jackdaw
Feather characters. Barbules are from short until medium length (0.7-1.7 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Diamond-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (29-34 per mm). They all have about the same size, slightly decreasing towards distal part. Villi are rounded and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present at distal part of barbules and at both sides of the pennulum. Barbules have this typical structure for Passeriformes; pigmented nodes combined with rounded villi. Only the shape of nodes and internodes is different: nodes are diamond-shaped with kinked internodes.
Field characters. Size 32 cm. Weight 246 g (Dunning, 1993). A well-known lively bird, which often occurs in large flocks, together with Starlings and Rooks (Corvus frugilegus, not included in BRIS); unlike most relatives has a rapid, jerky gait and swift flight with quick wingbeats; often seen performing aerial acrobatics in large groups. Easily distinguishable from congeners by smaller size, perky behaviour, shorter, less massive bill, distinctive voice, and plumage. Nape and ear coverts are grey, underparts are dark grey, eye is pale grey; all other parts are black. Juvenile is browner, but other characteristics make confusion unlikely.
Voice. Short, high-pitched "tchak", which is rapidly repeated when excited, and a short "kyow"; during breeding season also various other sounds. In general a rather noisy bird.
Distribution. Common; southern populations are resident, northern populations in part migrate southward during winter. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Most often found in open wooded regions and parks, but also near old buildings and on sea- and inland cliffs; forages predominantly on arable and pasture land. Builds nests in cavity of tree, building, or rock, or even in rabbit-burrow; mostly in large groups.
Food. Predominantly animal matter; small invertebrates and vertebrates. Also some plant matter, such as crops, cereals, fruit and berries.