Rook vs Carrion Crow: How to Tell Them Apart

A black bird whose plumage takes on a purplish-red shine in certain lights and at particular angles. There is a section of whitish flesh at the base of the long, pointy bill and the tips of the wings have a fingered appearance. Juvenile resembles adult but lacks the bare flash at the bill's base.

Since nesting occurs in tall trees, these are a requisite for breeding Rooks. They used to prefer elms, but due to a decrease in these, they've adapted to oak and ash trees. Farmland, moorland, and towns are all common habitats for these birds.

Has an abrasive, common 'kah-kah-kah' call, and a song that lacks melody, consisting of guttural sounds and the occasional screech.

Adult Carrion Crows are black, and can have a slightly blue iridescence. Bill and legs are black, also. Marginally bigger than Rooks, and somewhat smaller that Ravens. Carrion Crows may breed with Hooded Crows, resulting in offspring with markings from both or either species. Juveniles have a brown tinge to their plumage.

Habitat of the Carrion Crow is varied, including agricultural land, fields, woods, and cliffs by the seaside. Is fairly widespread through England and Wales, but in Scotland, there is a specific line through the Firth of Clyde to the Dornoch Firth, and Carrion Crows usually reside to the south and east of this line. To the north and west of the line is the Hooded Crow's territory, with some interbreeding occurring in proximity to the imaginary divider.

Has an abrasive, low-toned 'kreaa, kreaa, kreaa' call, which it mingles with a plethora of other calls.