Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
Carrion Crow

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone

The Carrion Crow, Corvus corone, is a member of the Corvidae family and the genus Corvus. This bird is recognized by its entirely black plumage, which exhibits a green or purple sheen, particularly more vibrant than that of the Rook. The adult male, which can be seen moulting in places like the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, measures approximately 48–52 centimeters in length, with a wingspan ranging from 84 to 100 centimeters, and weighs between 400 and 600 grams. Juveniles display brownish feathers and blue eyes, which darken with age.

Identification Tips

To identify the Carrion Crow, look for its black bill, legs, and feet, which complement its dark plumage. It is smaller than the common raven and lacks the grey plumage of the hooded crow. When observing juveniles, note the brownish plumage and blue eyes, which will gradually change as the bird matures.

Habitat

Carrion Crows are versatile in their choice of habitat. They can be found in urban areas, moorlands, woodlands, sea cliffs, and farmlands. They are often seen in proximity to human activity, where they can scavenge for food.

Distribution

Native to western Europe and the eastern Palearctic, the Carrion Crow has a range that extends to the mountains and forests of Japan, as well as urban Japanese environments.

Behaviour

The Carrion Crow is known for its solitary nature, in contrast to the gregarious Rook. However, it may socialize in winter roosts or when feeding with other birds. Its distinctive voice, a deep, guttural croak, sets it apart from the high-pitched calls of the Rook. These crows are also known to perform bowing gestures while cawing and can become quite tame around humans.

Song & Calls

The Carrion Crow's call is a series of loud croaks, often delivered from a high perch. It may also produce clicking sounds and is known for its slower, more deliberate wing-beats compared to the Rook.

Breeding

The Carrion Crow builds a bulky stick nest, typically in a tall tree, but also on cliff ledges, old buildings, or pylons. The female incubates 3 to 4 brown-speckled blue or greenish eggs for 18–20 days, and the young fledge after about 29–30 days. It is not uncommon for offspring from previous years to assist in rearing new hatchlings.

Similar Species

The Carrion Crow can be confused with the common raven due to its size and color, but it is notably smaller. The hooded crow, with its grey plumage, is also similar but can be distinguished by its coloration.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the Carrion Crow's diet includes carrion, insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, nuts, small mammals, amphibians, fish, and scraps. It is a scavenger by nature and is known to steal eggs and occasionally hunt, sometimes in cooperation with others of its kind.

Conservation status

The Carrion Crow is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival on a global scale.

Carrion Crow Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Carrion Crows on Birda

Photos
Sightings

Similar species

A photo of a Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)

Jackdaw

Coloeus monedula
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.