Western Europe Birds & Birding (#31/52): From the Highland Willow Scrub of Scotland to the Aegean Islands in the Sea of Crete, Western Europe is home to over 800 resident, migratory and vagrant birds. From songbirds to gamebirds and from waterfowl to raptors, you can find birds virtually in every nook and cranny of this beautiful area. *All images showcased in this blog series were taken and edited by me.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
The Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is a diminutive crow species, easily recognizable by its distinctive gray-on-charcoal color pattern, pale eyes, and piercing calls.
Physical Characteristics:
- The Eurasian Jackdaw has a compact build with a length of approximately 32-34 centimeters and a wingspan of around 67-73 centimeters.
- Its plumage is predominantly gray, with a darker shade on the head, neck, and upperparts.
- The eyes are pale, almost pale blue-gray.
- In flight, the Eurasian Jackdaw displays a distinctive silvery sheen on its wings.
- The bill is short and stout, and the legs are black.
Diet:
- The Eurasian Jackdaw is an omnivorous bird.
- During the breeding season, it primarily consumes a variety of invertebrates, including insects and spiders.
- Additionally, it scavenges for eggs and opportunistically feeds on household scraps.
Abundance and Distribution:
- Eurasian Jackdaws are adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats.
- They thrive in both urban and rural environments.
- Common locations include towns, cities, wooded parks, and farmland.
- They often nest in chimneys and forage on lawns.
- Their distribution spans across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.
- Flocks can number in the hundreds or thousands during the nonbreeding season.
IUCN Red List Status:
The Eurasian Jackdaw is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its population trend is stable, and it is not currently facing significant threats.
For more information, you can explore the IUCN Red List and learn about the conservation status of various species.
EURASIAN JACKDAW WAS LIFER #765
Reflections of the Natural World 