Appearance
Familiar large black and grey birds, whose behaviour exhibits high intelligence.
Size
Length 44–51 cm, wingspan 84–100 cm, weight 410–675 g.
Nest
In a tree at a height of 5–25 m. Made of twigs, moss and earth, lined with materials including juniper bark, wool, feathers and balls of cloth.
Breeding
2–6 eggs laid in March–April, incubated by female for 17–21 days. Fledglings remain in nest for 31–32 days.
Distribution
Breeds throughout Finland, most commonly in farmland and near built-up areas. Finnish breeding population estimated at 160,000–230,000 pairs.
Migration
By day. Some birds migrate, but others winter in Finland. Migrants leave October–November, returning in March–April after wintering in Southern Sweden or lands around the North Sea.
Diet
Omnivorous.
Calls
Familiar cawing call “kraa kraa”.
Endangerment
Least concern, unprotected part of the year.

Everyone in Finland probably recognises this very familiar large, black and grey bird. In bright light the black parts of Hooded Crows’ plumage may gleam with a violet or blue metallic sheen.

The closely related Carrion Crow (C. c. corone) is the nominate race of the same species. These totally black birds, found in Central Europe, can be confused with young Rooks, though they can be distinguished by the shape of their heads and beaks, and most easily by their calls. Hooded Crows have black beaks and legs. Their irises are dark brown (mature adults) or greyish blue (juveniles).

Hooded Crow

Taxonomy

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species