Collared crow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Collared crow |
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| Genus: |
Corvus
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| Species: |
torquatus
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The collared crow (Corvus torquatus) is a fascinating bird. It's also called the ring-necked crow or white-collared crow. This clever bird belongs to the Corvidae family, which includes other crows, ravens, and jays. You can find collared crows living in China and the northern parts of Vietnam.
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What Does a Collared Crow Look Like?
Collared crows are quite striking birds. They are about 52 to 55 centimeters (20-22 inches) long. This makes them similar in size to a carrion crow.
Feathers and Features
These birds have shiny black feathers all over their bodies. However, they have a special white patch. This patch covers the back of their neck and upper back. It also forms a wide band around their lower chest. Their beak, legs, and feet are all black.
How They Fly
Sometimes, you might see a collared crow flying in a unique way. They might let their feet hang down below their body. This makes them look like they are flying in a very relaxed or "lazy" manner.
Their Voice
Collared crows are known for their loud calls. They often make a sound like "kaaar" repeated several times. They can change this call slightly depending on what they want to say. Like many other crows, they also make strange clicking sounds. They do this when they are bowing their heads to another crow.
Where Do Collared Crows Live?
The main home for the collared crow is China. They live in many parts of the country, but not as far north as Beijing. You can find them in flat areas and river valleys. They prefer open spaces and places where people farm.
Their Favorite Places
Collared crows are a common sight in rice fields. These are often called paddy fields. They tend to stay away from big towns and cities. They are mostly found in the countryside.
What Do They Eat?
Collared crows usually look for food on the ground. They eat many different things. Their diet includes insects and mollusks. They also eat other small creatures without backbones. Sometimes, they even find food in shallow water.
They love grains, especially rice. Collared crows also search through human garbage for food. They don't eat as much dead animal meat (carrion) as some other crow species. But they will eat it if they find it. They also sometimes eat eggs and baby birds from other nests.
Nesting Habits
Collared crows typically build their nests in trees. They often use mud to make their nests strong. A female crow usually lays about three to four eggs.
Protecting Collared Crows
For a long time, the collared crow was not considered a bird of concern. This was according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). However, new studies showed they were rarer than people thought.
Changing Status
In 2008, their status was changed to Near Threatened. This meant they might become endangered soon. Then, in 2018, their status changed again. They are now listed as a Vulnerable species. This means they face a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild.
