- Corvus frugilegus
Identification
The plumage is all black with a reddish or purplish gloss but around the base of its beak - nostrils and chin - is bare skin. The untidy appearance arises from the slightly peaked head and the thigh feathers, which look like baggy trousers. The bill and legs are black.
Distribution
Widespread throughout Europe.
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of two subspecies.
Habitat
Open fields, or feeding in small groups along a roadside. They will come into town parks and villages
Behaviour
A highly social corvid which nests in large colonies. The nest is built high in a tree close to other nests. The nest is bulky and made from twigs bound together with earth, lined with moss, leaves, grass, wool, and hair. Previous years' nests may be renovated and reused. 3-9 eggs are laid which are smooth, glossy and light blue, greenish-blue or green with dark spots. The eggs are about 40 mm long. The female incubates the eggs for 16-20 days. Both parents feed the young after they have hatched.
The diet includes insects, worms, carrion and seeds. They will visit bird tables for scraps and fruit.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Corvus frugilegus (song).mp3</flashmp3> Listen in an external program
