Strange looking Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

But it seems to be surving even with this problem.

This is not a problem or abnormality, it is merely the gular pouch under the chin that the bird carries large amounts of food back to the nest in. It saves it going back and forwards with smaller amounts. All Crows posses this pouch it's just that it's more obvious on the featherless "face" of a Rook (especially when distended) than on the fully feathered face of the various other species around the world.

Nice shot of it too.

Here is an American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos with his food pouch distended. Crow image

Hi Steve

I have seen thousands of Rooks and this is the 1st one I have seen with a pouch, even the others which flew with it didn't seem to have one. Thgis pouch seemed to be solid as if it was made from the same material as its beak!

In Poland it is normal to see a Rook with distended gular pouch (or whatever it is called), but not, I must say, so much.

Probably it holds at least a whole Walnut

The gular pouch is 100% normal and is used precisely as Steve mentioned. In Ireland, Rooks are extremely common and often alight in my garden to grab what they can. When they are in a rush to gather as much food as possible, the gular pouch rapidly fills and extends to allow the bird to carry more food.

What is really abnormal in Rooks and something I have once seen in my own back garden was a Rook with extremely long upper and lower mandibles....something approaching that of a Crossbill. Still, it managed to feed itself ok!!

Regards,

Very interesting info.
Nice shot.

thanks for all your info, nice to see a bird as common as a Rook still sparking some interesting points

I've been accused of extending my food pouch as well! lol