Carrion crow facts for kids
The carrion crow (Corvus corone) is a clever and common type of crow. You can find these birds in eastern Asia and parts of western Europe. They are known for their shiny black feathers and smart behavior. Carrion crows often live close to people, in cities, parks, and even farmlands. They are not in any danger, meaning they are of least concern for conservation.
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What is a Carrion Crow?
Carrion crows are medium-sized birds, usually about 48 to 52 centimeters (19 to 20 inches) long. They have strong beaks and dark eyes. Their feathers are completely black and often look glossy in the sunlight. These birds are very adaptable, which means they can live in many different places. They are often seen alone or in pairs, especially during nesting season.
Where Do They Live?
Carrion crows live in a wide range of habitats. You can find them in forests, open fields, coastal areas, and even busy cities. In Europe, they are common in countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In Asia, they are found in places like Japan and parts of China. They are very good at living alongside humans.
Nesting and Young Birds
Carrion crows build their nests high up. They often choose tall trees or sometimes old, abandoned buildings. The nests are usually large and messy, made from sticks, twigs, and even mud. Female crows lay about three to six eggs. Both parents help to incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.
The young birds grow quickly. They usually get their wings and are ready to fly about a month after hatching. This time is called fledging. Once they can fly, the young crows stay with their parents for a while. They learn important skills like finding food and avoiding danger.
What Do Carrion Crows Eat?
Carrion crows are omnivores, which means they eat almost anything! Their diet includes insects, worms, and small animals like mice. They also eat seeds, fruits, and berries. As their name suggests, they will also eat carrion, which is the meat of dead animals. This helps to keep the environment clean. They are also known to scavenge for food in human areas, like parks and trash cans.
Are They Smart?
Yes, carrion crows are known for being very intelligent birds. They can solve problems and use tools. For example, they might drop nuts onto hard surfaces to crack them open. They also have good memories and can recognize human faces. Crows can even learn to mimic sounds they hear, including human speech. Their intelligence helps them survive in many different environments.
Sounds and Communication
Carrion crows make a variety of sounds. Their most common call is a loud, harsh "caw-caw." They use different calls to communicate with each other. These calls can warn other crows about danger or tell them where food is. Crows also use body language, like fluffing their feathers or bowing their heads, to communicate.
Images for kids
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Adult male carrion crow moulting at the Jardin des Plantes of Paris.
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A map of Europe indicating the distribution of the carrion and hooded crows on either side of a contact zone (white line) separating the two species
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In Southend-on-Sea, England
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In flight
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Scavenging around a dead bird in Paris, France
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Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
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Chicks in the nest
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See also
In Spanish: Corneja negra para niños
