Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

Species · GBIF taxon 9409796

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone

Also known as Black Crow, Common Crow

Carrion crows are remarkably intelligent, adaptable songbirds that form lifelong breeding pairs and defend permanent territories. They solve complex multi-step puzzles, recognize individual human faces, and use a harsh, repeated call to communicate with family members. While often seen foraging alone or in pairs, they gather in large, noisy communal roosts during the winter months.

IntelligentAdaptableUrban

Licensed referenceAlexis Lours / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Carrion
Insects
Small Rodents

Predators

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Northern Goshawk
Red Fox

ThreatsPersecution by farmers, secondary poisoning, and habitat loss

HabitatsOpen woodlands, agricultural fields, urban parks, and coastal cliffs

Life span7 to 12 years in the wild

Size / weightNot available

Classification

SpeciesCorvus corone

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Capable of delivering a sharp peck if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.

Responsible observation

Distinguish from Rooks: Look for the carrion crow's fully feathered face and heavier, slightly curved black bill.
Watch for tool use: Observe them dropping hard-shelled nuts onto roads for cars to crack open.
Listen to calls: Note the distinct, resonant three-syllable call delivered with a bowing motion.

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