Corvus corone - Carrion Crow / Hooded Crow
Feather characters. Barbule length varies from medium until long (0.9-2.5 mm) and divided into unpigmented internodes and pigmented nodes, though pigment may not fill the entire node. In some cases, pigment is absent. Diamond-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (24-28 per mm). They are all about the same size, slightly decreasing towards distal end. Villi are rounded and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum. Barbules have this typical structure for Passeriformes; enlarged and generally pigmented nodes combined with rounded villi. Characteristic of this species is the combination of relatively long barbules few diamond-shaped nodes per mm and kinked internodes. Corvus corone corone (Carrion Crow) and Corvus corone cornix (Hooded Crow) are here considered as subspecies. Photograps of both are included.
Field characters. Size 46 cm. Weight 570 g (Dunning, 1993).
Plumage of Carrion Crow is entirely black. Hooded Crow is also black, but has a silver-grey hindneck, mantle and underparts. Differs from much larger Raven by voice (Corvus corax, not included in BRIS), square tail and smooth throat, and from juvenile Rook (Corvus frugilegus, not included in BRIS) by heavier, less attenuated bill. Usually seen in pairs, except when roosting. Opens food with hard exterior (e.g. crustaceans and nuts) by throwing them from some altitude on hard surface.
Voice. A harsh, croaking "kraah"; sometimes a soft "gonk"; also some other notes, which are generally modifications of the former two.
Distribution. A common resident. Distribution shows marginal overlap for Carrion Crow and Hooded Crow; in contact zone many intermediates found. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Very varied; can be found in any conceivable habitat except closely forested or dry areas. In general prefers open grounds. Occurs in urban areas if not disturbed too often. Builds nest in tall trees, but occasionally also on ledges of cliffs.
Food. As with all members of the crow family, very varied. As its common name suggest, carrion is taken, but does not predominate. All kinds of small animals (warm- and cold-blooded), fruits, seeds, nuts and grains are ingested.