Jackdaw Bird Facts (Corvus monedula)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Jackdaw is a small, stocky corvid with a distinctive silvery-grey nape and pale blue-grey eyes. Its body is primarily black, with a glossy sheen on the wings and tail, contrasting with the lighter grey of its neck and underparts.

Juveniles appear duller than adults, lacking the silvery nape and blue-grey eyes. There is no significant difference between male and female plumage, though males are slightly larger on average.

Size

Length

34cm to 39cm

Wingspan

64cm to 73cm

Weight

220g to 270g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Jackdaw can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Jackdaw can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Jackdaw can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Jackdaw is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Jackdaws are widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, including woodlands, farmlands, coastal cliffs, and urban areas. They show a particular affinity for human settlements, often nesting in chimneys and old buildings.

Jackdaws are resident year-round in the UK and can be found throughout the country. Some northern European populations undertake short-distance migrations to warmer regions during harsh winters.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,600 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Jackdaw. 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

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Afghanistan Algeria Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iran Iraq Ireland Italy Jordan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Moldova Morocco Netherlands Palestine Portugal Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Syria The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Albania Andorra Armenia China Georgia Israel Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Mongolia Montenegro Norway Poland Russia Serbia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Lebanon

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Canada Faroe Islands Gibraltar Iceland Japan Mauritania Saint Pierre and Miquelon Spain United States of America

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Jackdaws display remarkable agility, particularly evident in their acrobatic flight displays during breeding season. Their ability to navigate urban environments, perform aerial manoeuvres, and forage efficiently demonstrates high levels of agility.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not exceptionally strong for their size, Jackdaws possess moderate strength. Their ability to probe soil for invertebrates and manipulate objects like nuts indicates decent physical capability, though they're not as powerful as larger corvids.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Jackdaws exhibit exceptional adaptability. Their success in various habitats, from woodlands to urban areas, and their opportunistic feeding habits showcase their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Their tool use and problem-solving skills further highlight their adaptability.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Jackdaws show moderate aggressiveness. While generally social and cooperative within their species, they can be territorial during breeding season and may display aggressive behaviour towards potential predators or when competing for resources.

Endurance 75

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Jackdaws demonstrate good endurance, evidenced by their ability to undertake short-distance migrations and maintain active foraging behaviours throughout the day. Their success in various climates, from temperate to subarctic, also suggests solid endurance levels.

Diet

Jackdaws are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes insects and small invertebrates in the summer and seeds and fruits in the winter. They also scavenge human food waste in urban areas and have been known to prey on small birds and mammals.

Jackdaws often forage in fields, using their strong beaks to probe the soil for invertebrates. They are notorious for raiding birds’ nests and even stealing the eggs of large water birds and seabirds.

Behaviour

Jackdaws are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks foraging on the ground or perched on buildings and trees. They are known for their acrobatic flight displays, particularly during the breeding season.

These intelligent birds have been observed using tools and solving complex problems in captivity.

Vocalisation

Jackdaws are vocal birds with a range of calls. Their most common call is a sharp, metallic 'chyak' or 'jack', often repeated in rapid succession.

During courtship and social interactions, they produce softer, chattering sounds. In flight, they may give a higher-pitched 'kya' call, especially when alarmed.

Nesting & Breeding

Jackdaws form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season typically begins in April, with courtship displays involving aerial acrobatics and mutual preening.

Nests are built in cavities, including tree holes, cliff crevices, and man-made structures. Both partners participate in nest construction, using sticks, twigs, and softer materials for lining. The female lays 4-5 pale blue or blue-green eggs with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 18 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 28-35 days but continue to depend on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While Jackdaws are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and stable population, they face localised threats from habitat loss and persecution.

In some areas, efforts are being made to protect nesting sites in old buildings and provide artificial nest boxes to support urban populations.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

39,800,000 - 83,400,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Jackdaws in urban areas, particularly around old buildings and church towers
Listen for their distinctive 'chyak-chyak' call, which is often heard before the birds are seen
Observe their social behaviour in flocks, especially during morning and evening roosting times
In the UK, watch for them in parks and gardens, where they often visit bird feeders

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eurasian Jackdaw, Western Jackdaw

Family:

Corvidae

Average Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Predators

Main predators of Jackdaws include larger raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, Goshawks, and Eagle Owls. Ground predators like foxes and cats may prey on juveniles or nest contents.

Did You Know?

Jackdaws can recognise individual human faces and remember whether a person has been threatening or friendly.
They are one of the few non-mammal species known to engage in eye contact with humans as a form of communication.
Jackdaws have been observed using cars as 'nutcrackers', dropping nuts on roads for vehicles to crack open.

FAQs

What's the difference between a Jackdaw and a crow?

Jackdaws are a small species of crow from the Corvus genus. They differ most obviously from the UK’s Carrion Crow and Hooded Crow in size, being just half the weight of these related birds.

Do Jackdaws deter other birds?

Jackdaws occasionally deter or outcompete smaller birds at the bird table. However, it’s important to remember that they are also a natural part of the United Kingdom’s ecosystem and bird fauna. Feeding the Jackdaws on the ground while providing food in a squirrel-proof feeder may help reduce competition between garden birds.

What does it mean to see a Jackdaw?

Jackdaws symbolise different things to different people. For some, spotting a Jackdaw could signify bad luck or even death, while others see them as a good omen. Their faithfulness to their partner has also inspired the belief that they indicate a successful relationship or marriage.

Why are Jackdaws so noisy?

Jackdaws are social birds that use calls to communicate among themselves. They can be especially noisy around their roost, especially just before returning or before heading out for the day. Research indicates that these birds decide when to leave by the volume and urgency of the flock’s calls, so it tends to rise to a crescendo just before they depart.