The carrion crow is an all black bird which can be distinguished from the similar Raven by its much smaller size. It is a solitary bird normally seen alone or in pairs unless good feeding attracts greater numbers.  It is about the same size as a Rook being 47cm in length but it’s in flight silhouette is less slotted and ragged than the Rooks. The carrion crow is infamous as an egg thief and due to this it is held in low esteem by gamekeepers. Since the 1940’s the birds numbers have rapidly increased and they are now a common sight throughout the UK even in cities. It is an adaptable bird and some have been observed smashing open shells of crabs, mussels and some nuts by dropping them from the air, some claim it is the brightest member of the crow family but of course this is impossible to prove.

Carrion crows lay 4 or 5 pale bluish green eggs in April or May which incubate after about 20 days. The nest normally made from twigs lined with grass and sheep’s wool are often big bulky and high in trees. Carrion crows mate for life