Ravens

Crows

Rooks

Magpies

Jays

Jackdaws

Chough

RAVEN {CORVUS CORAX}

The largest of the corvids, about 65cm with a glossy blue black plumage.They have a deep "kargh" call.They like mountainous,wooded and coastal areas. Nest in single pairs.They have a varied diet mainly carrion.They appear a lot in legend and folklore. There are resident Ravens in the tower of London.

CARRION CROW {CORVUS CARONE}

Most common, seen in pairs and flocks nicknamed a murder of crows. Looks all black but has a blue/purple gloss.size about 45-56cm bill and legs black, youngsters have pink inside their mouths adults are black. Found in most places throughout Britain.

ROOK {CORVUS FRUGILEGUS}

The rook is a very sociable bird and lives in colonies called a rookery. Nests high up in the top of tall trees and makes nests of large twigs,moss,fur,spiders webs etc.They have a bare patch of flesh on their cheeks which makes them distinguishable from carrion crows.
They have been known to bond for life as a pair as willcrows.They tend to live and feed near farmland or open fields. Recommend reading CROW COUNTRY by mark cocker.

MAGPIE {PICA PICA)

The magpie has characteristic black and white markings,a long tail with iridescent green black feathers. A bout 50cm in length. Has a varied chatter call.Also known in folklore and associated with omens and bad luck. Beautiful birds up close and very intelligent and cheeky.

JAY {GARRULUS GLANDARIUS}

A very colourful crow about the same size as a jackdaw,mostly pinkish brown under parts slightly lighter. The head has a black and white stripped marking with a black moustache and a white throat. A white rump and black tail,The eye is a pale blue, a black bill and pinky brown legs. Wings mostly black with white patches. A striking blue feather very noticeable as they fly off as they are very shy birds. prefers wooded areas.

JACKDAW {CORVUS MONEDULA}

A small black crow with a pale grey neck and a eyes.Very sociable and lives in pairs or flocks. A very acrobatic flier often chasing and tumbling in flight. Walks and hops on the ground. Lives in woods, parks, fields and gardens often found in pasture land. Lovely cheeky birds.

CHOUGH {PYRRHOCORAX PYRRHOCORAX}

Black plumage with a striking red beak and legs. Restricted westerly distribution in Britain. A master of flight and Ariel displays. Found on coastlines.

HOODED CROW {CORVUS CORNIX}

Relative of the carrion crow,found mainly in Scotland and Ireland. Similar black plumage with a grey back and chest.