Jackdaw

Jackdaw - Coloeus monedula

Alternative names
Corvus monedula
Description

A small black crow with a grey neck and pale eyes. It is sociable and usually seen in pairs or larger groups. It is quite an acrobatic flier and flocks will often chase and tumble together in flight. On the ground it both walks and hops.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Fields, woods, parks and gardens. Absent from the Scottish Highlands. Often found on grasssland and pasture. Roosts communally in woodlands.

When to see it

All year round

Life History

The Jackdaw forages in open areas and on the ground, but does take some food in trees. Garbage tips, bins, urban streets and gardens are also visited, more often early in the morning when there are fewer people about. Jackdaws nest in cavities of trees, cliffs or ruins, and sometimes inhabited, buildings, often in chimneys, and even in dense conifers.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain

VC55 Status

A common breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records