The all-black carrion crow (Corvus corone) is one of our most intelligent and adaptable species. It is usually fearless, but it can sometimes be afraid of humans. They have adapted to all habitats in Europe and Asia. It's pitch black and makes a hoarse, cawing noise. These fascinating creatures build large nests out of twigs, rags, bones, and whatever else they can find and conceal them in tall bushes; unlike rooks, they do not nest in groups and are mainly solitary. The crow (carrion) are agricultural and grassland species, but they are highly adaptable and can come to gardens for food, seeming to be very fearless in the process as they must eat and feed their families.

If you like reading this article, then be sure to read on for more information on carrion crows, and for information on other animals, take a look at Pileated Woodpecker and barn owl.

‍

What type of animal is a carrion crow?

The carrion crow (Corvus corone) is a bird. 

What class of animal does a carrion crow belong to?

The carrion crow belongs to the class of Aves.

How many carrion crows are there in the world?

Carrion crows can be found across the entire range of Europe, and an estimated population can be hard to guess. They stretch from the north coast of Sweden to the south coast of Spain in Europe. The Atlantic Ocean forms their western border. The southern border in Asia passes through Iraq and Iran, the majority of Afghanistan, and China's northern zone. They are also found in Japan. Their breeding area in Russia stretches farther north to about 70 degrees north, just north of the Arctic Circle. There is also a small African community living along the Nile River in Egypt, which has expanded the range south through the Middle East.

Where does a carrion crow live?

Carrion crows are a species of birds that can be found all over Europe and Asia in the wild.

What is a carrion crow's habitat?

They can be seen in several environments. They lived in marshes, lightly planted fields with scattered forest cover, and along the coasts. These birds have adapted to suburban and metropolitan environments to an extraordinary degree in recent years. They build their dens in parks and houses and look for food in landfill sites and waste bins. They come from sea level to mountainous areas and are not bound by altitude. They like to build their nests in trees or cliffs.

Who do carrion crows live with?

They are solitary birds, typically found solo or in pairs, but they do form flocks on occasion. Young carrion crows can remain with their guardians for up to two years to practice foraging behaviors or assist in rearing the parents' potential offspring.

How long does a carrion crow live?

The majority of all these species die within their first year. Those that survive more than a year in the wild expect to live to be about 10 years old. These birds have been known to live as long as 29 years in captivity.

How do they reproduce?

These species mate for life and form monogamous pairs. They mate in the early spring, between March and April. They have been known to pair with hooded crows (Corvus cornix) on shared breeding grounds for birds in Spain. They lay one clutch of four to five eggs per spring. It takes 17-20 days for these eggs to hatch. Before hurling, the nestlings mature for another 28-30 in the nest. It takes an average of three years for both the genders of the species to start reproducing.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of these birds (Corvus corone) as Least Concern because it is abundant in all the parts of Eurasia.

What do Carrion Crows look like?

As an adult, it is uniformly black in color with short and broad wings. Its feathers look shiny in some light with a thick and blunt bill. Both the male and female birds have the same appearance. They have anisodactyl paws, with three forward-facing toes and one back-facing foot, are seen on these crows.

How cute are they?

They are not cute because they tend to attack if they feel threatened.

How do they communicate?

They communicate through olfactory (smell) cues. It is observed that when they get a familiar smell, they tend to respond more. Also, they can control their calls and can protect their territory, alarm call, and call to share food through vocal communication.

How big is a carrion crow?

A carrion crow (Corvus Corone) is 19-20 in, while a raven is 25 in.

How fast can a carrion crow fly?

This species, like any other crow, usually flies at 70 mph.

How much does a carrion crow weigh?

The weight of carrion crows is around 14-21 oz when it is an adult.

What are their male and female names of the species?

Carrion crow does not have any specific names for separate genders.

What would you call a baby carrion crow?

Like any other bird, a baby carrion crow is also called a chick.

What do they eat?

They are very flexible and adjust well in any habitat, eating anything from beach crabs to kitchen garbage, bird eggs, berries, worms, seed mixes, and insects.

Are they dangerous?

Although they are not that dangerous, they tend to attack if they feel that their territories are threatened.

Would they make a good pet?

Keeping a crow for some amount of time, even a rescued baby crow, is against federal laws.

Did you know…

Until recently, the carrion crow and hooded crow were thought to be of the same species of crows, but they are actually separate species of crows. Also, carrion crows have a very sharp memory and tend to hide food for later.

These scavengers offer many benefits, including feeding on household waste.

The carrion crow's mating process

Carrion crows are monogamous in nature, and the males mate with female crows for life.

Comparisons with other crows

The hooded crow is the relative of the carrion crow in North West Scotland and Ireland. It has a two-toned plumage, unlike the pure black plumage of the carrion crow. Another type is the Rook which has a longer and thinner bill with a smaller body structure than this species. Moreover, rooks are social birds, but carrion crows are solitary in nature.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including secretary bird, or great green macaw.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Carrion crow coloring pages.

‍