Eurasian Jackdaw

Black and dark grey plumage with a distinctive silvery-grey sheen on the back of the head and neck. The forehead and crown are glossy black, contrasting with the lighter nape. Juveniles are duller and sootier without the pale nape patch.

Small all-black corvid, pale silvery-grey nape and neck, relatively short bill, and bright white/greyish eyes.

Length: 30-34 cm, Wingspan: 64-73 cm, Weight: 130-250 g

A distinctive, metallic, chattering 'tchack-tchack' or 'jack-jack' call, giving the bird its name.

Omnivorous; feeds on insects, seeds, fruit, small rodents, eggs, and human food waste, foraging mostly on the ground.

Open countryside, pastures, coastal cliffs, open woodlands, and urban areas with mature trees or old buildings suitable for cavities.

Mostly resident or a short-distance migrant, with northern populations moving south for the winter.

Nests colonially in cavities such as tree hollows, rocky crevices, chimneys, and ruined buildings. Forms lifelong monogamous bonds and lays 4-6 pale blue eggs speckled with brown.

Carrion Crow or Rook, but distinguished easily by its smaller size, silvery-grey nape, and striking pale white eyes.

Acts as a seed disperser and scavenger, helping control insect populations and clean up organic waste in its habitat.

IUCN Least Concern with a stable population trend.

Easily observed in urban parks, farmland, and coastal cliffs. Look for their characteristic white irises and listen for their sharp 'tchack' calls.

Jackdaws have a complex social hierarchy and are known for their ability to recognize human faces and communicate using mutual gazing.