Carrion Crow
Corvus corone
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Carrion Crow is a medium-sized bird with entirely black plumage that often displays a glossy, iridescent sheen in sunlight. Its stout, slightly curved beak and strong legs are also black, complementing its dark appearance.
Both males and females look identical, making visual sex determination challenging. Juveniles have a slightly duller plumage and may show a brownish tinge until their first moult.
Size
Length
44cm to 51cm
Wingspan
84cm to 100cm
Weight
400g to 600g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
Iridescent
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Carrion Crows are widely distributed across Europe and parts of western Asia. They inhabit various environments, including woodlands, farmlands, grasslands, and urban areas. These adaptable birds are particularly successful in human-modified landscapes.
In the UK, Carrion Crows are common residents throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, except for the far north, where they're replaced by Hooded Crows. They're also found in parts of Ireland, though less abundantly.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Carrion Crow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons