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Crow

The crow is an intelligent and striking bird that you will often see in meadows, parks, woodlands and sometimes in gardens. With its entirely black plumage, sturdy beak and intelligent appearance, it is easy to recognise. Crows are curious and social birds that often live in groups and spend a great deal of time on the ground searching for food. They eat insects, worms, seeds, nuts, carrion and food scraps, among other things. They also regularly visit bird tables or open areas where something edible can be found. Crows are well known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Thanks to their adaptability, they thrive close to people, provided there is sufficient food, water and shelter available.

Crow

Characteristics

Body build: Large, sturdy bird with a powerful body, strong legs and a thick, robust beak.
Colours and coat types: Entirely black plumage, sometimes showing a glossy purple or bluish sheen in sunlight. Males and females look almost identical.
Weight: 400 - 600 g
Life Expectancy: 5 - 10 years in the wild
Health risks: Food shortages, diseases, parasites, traffic and predation of young birds by predators.

Behaviour profile

Activity (day)
Visibility in the garden
Beneficial for the garden
Sensitivity to disturbance
Human interaction

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Habitat

Crows live in a wide range of environments, including woodlands, meadows, parks and urban areas. They thrive in places with plenty of trees for resting, nesting and surveying their surroundings. You will often see crows searching for food in open grasslands or fields. Thanks to their intelligence and adaptability, they also regularly live close to people. An environment with plenty of greenery, food sources and quiet resting places makes an area attractive to crows.

Diet

Crows are omnivores and have a highly varied diet. They eat insects, worms, larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion, among other things. They may also search for food scraps left by people or visit bird tables. During colder periods, crows particularly appreciate extra energy-rich food. You can support them by providing unsalted nuts, seeds, pieces of fruit or specially formulated food for garden birds. Fresh drinking water is also appreciated.

Role in the garden

Crows play an important role in nature by helping to clear away insects, larvae and carrion. In doing so, they help keep the environment clean and contribute to the natural balance of ecosystems. They also indirectly assist with seed dispersal by carrying and storing food. Their intelligent and social behaviour brings additional life and activity to the surrounding area.

Protection and points of attention

Crows adapt well to different habitats, but they still require sufficient food, water and safe resting places. The loss of green spaces and the use of pesticides can reduce both their habitat and food supply. Traffic and disturbance of nesting sites also pose risks. You can support crows by maintaining a green, natural environment and avoiding the use of pesticides.

All about the crow

How old does a crow live?

A crow lives on average around 5 to 10 years in the wild. Many young crows do not reach adulthood due to traffic, food shortages, disease or predation. However, crows that survive to adulthood can live for quite a long time. In exceptional cases, they may even live for more than 20 years.

How big is a crow?

A crow is a fairly large songbird. Depending on the species, a crow is usually around 45 to 50 cm long with a wingspan of approximately 85 to 100 cm. This makes it noticeably larger than many other garden birds. Thanks to its sturdy build, long legs and black plumage, it is easy to spot.

What does a crow eat?

Crows are omnivores and have a very varied diet. They eat insects, worms, larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and berries, among other things. They also feed on carrion, eggs, small animals and food scraps. In urban areas, crows may search for edible leftovers discarded by people. Thanks to their intelligence and opportunistic nature, crows are highly adaptable when it comes to finding food.

What sound does a crow make?

A crow makes a loud, harsh “caw-caw” sound. This call is often used to communicate with other crows, warn of danger or defend territory. Crows can also produce a variety of other calls and clicking sounds. They are known as intelligent birds with a wide range of vocalisations.

What is the difference between a raven and a crow?

A raven and a crow look similar, but there are some clear differences. A raven is larger and heavier than a crow and has a thicker, more powerful beak. Ravens also have a more wedge-shaped tail, whereas a crow’s tail is straighter. In flight, ravens are often recognised by their longer wings and soaring flight style. In addition, a raven usually makes a deeper, more resonant “croak” sound, while a crow more often produces a sharp “caw-caw” call. Ravens are more commonly found in quiet natural areas and woodlands, whereas crows adapt well to towns, meadows and gardens.

Where do crows build their nests?

Crows usually build their nests high up in trees, often close to the trunk or well hidden among branches. The nest is made from sticks, twigs, grass and other soft materials. Crows prefer a quiet and safe location with a good view of the surrounding area. They often use the same nesting site for several years in a row, expanding and repairing the nest over time.

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