Bird
Western Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaAlso known as Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw, Jackdaw
Western jackdaws are highly social, gregarious corvids recognized by their striking pale grey napes and piercing white irises. They form lifelong monogamous pairs that remain together within large, noisy flocks, often nesting in chimney pots, cliffs, and hollow trees. These intelligent birds use complex vocalizations and subtle eye movements to communicate and coordinate group activities.
IntelligentSocialUrban
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyInsects, Grains and Seeds, Small Rodents
Predators
- Peregrine Falcon
- Northern Goshawk
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
ThreatsPesticide use reducing insect prey, habitat loss, and modern chimney capping
HabitatsOpen woodlands, pastures, coastal cliffs, urban parks, and residential areas
Life span10 to 15 years
Classification
- FamilyCorvidae
- SpeciesCorvus monedula
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp pinch with their bill if handled; observe their lively flocks from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Recognize their distinctive, metallic chyak contact calls echoing around chimneys and parks.
- Watch the Eyes: Look for their unique pale irises, which they use to communicate intent and warn rivals.
- Provide Safe Nesting: Install specialized nest boxes to offer alternatives to chimneys, which can trap young birds.
Frequent Companion (c) hedera.baltica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Competitor Alexis Lours / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Predator Mykola Swarnyk / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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