Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

Description

Jackdaw fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Jackdaw description

The jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is a lively, diminutive member of the crow family ⁽⁵⁾. It appears to have totally dark plumage from a distance, but on closer inspection it can be seen that it is dark grey in colour with a lighter grey nape and sides of the neck ⁽²⁾. The beak is short and slender, the eyes are a unique pale blue, and it walks with a quick 'jaunty' step ⁽⁶⁾, all of which allow this bird to be distinguished from the carrion and hooded crows or the rook ⁽²⁾. Males, females and juveniles are similar in appearance ⁽²⁾. The name 'daw' for this bird has been used since the 15th century; it is probably imitative of the call ⁽⁷⁾, but also means 'simpleton' ⁽⁶⁾. 'Jack' is often used for small animals, and, like knave, means rogue, yet it may also be derived from another call, 'tchack' ⁽⁶⁾. This bird is indeed smaller than both the rook and the carrion crow, and is a renowned thief ⁽⁷⁾.

Also known as

Eurasian Jackdaw, Western Jackdaw.

French

Choucas des tours.

Size

Wingspan: 64-73 cm ⁽²⁾

Length: 30-34 cm ⁽²⁾

Jackdaw biology

The jackdaw is a highly sociable species outside of the breeding season, occurring in flocks that can contain hundreds of birds ⁽⁶⁾. Within flocks there is a strict hierarchy, with a head bird ⁽⁶⁾. Occasionally the flock makes 'mercy killings', in which a sick or injured bird is mobbed until it is killed ⁽⁶⁾.

The jackdaw typically feeds on the ground, taking insects and insect larvae, young birds, fruit and acorns ⁽⁶⁾. This is a playful species, performing aerobatics such as turning over in strong winds and diving; occasionally entire flocks may perform such displays at the same time ⁽⁶⁾.

Males and females pair up in their first year of life, but they do not begin to breed for another year; the pair remains closely tied for life ⁽⁶⁾. Nests are usually constructed in some type of crevice, the pair drops sticks into the crevice until some become lodged; the nest is then built on this platform ⁽⁶⁾. This behaviour has often led to chimneys being blocked and even nests, with the jackdaw present, crashing down into fireplaces ⁽⁷⁾. The pair defend their nest vigorously against intruding jackdaws ⁽⁶⁾. Four to six greenish-blue eggs are laid and incubated for up to 17 days by the female ⁽⁶⁾. Both parents feed the chicks for around 30 days ⁽⁶⁾.

Jackdaw range

Widely distributed throughout Britain, but scarcer in upland areas ⁽⁵⁾. The jackdaw is also widespread throughout western Europe ⁽⁶⁾. Scandinavian populations migrate to England, Scotland and the Low Countries for the winter ⁽⁶⁾.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Jackdaw habitat

The jackdaw breeds in buildings and cavities in houses, as well as in parks, woodlands with hollow trees, and on sea cliffs ⁽²⁾.

Jackdaw status

The jackdaw is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List ⁽¹⁾. Receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 ⁽³⁾. Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Green List (low conservation concern) ⁽⁴⁾.

Jackdaw threats

Although wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 ⁽⁸⁾, jackdaws may be killed under a general licence provision by authorised persons ⁽⁹⁾. Jackdaw numbers have increased by over 50 percent since 1975 ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Jackdaw conservation

No conservation action is targeted at the jackdaw.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Find out more

For more on British birds see the RSPB website:  

• The RSPB:
  http://www.rspb.org.uk

 For more information on the jackdaw and other bird species:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org

Authentication

Information authenticated by the RSPB:
http://www.rspb.org.uk

Glossary

Incubate

To keep eggs warm so that development is possible.

Larvae

Stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.

References

1. IUCN Red List (April, 2011)
   http://www.iucnredlist.org/
2. Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterstrom, D. and and Grant, P.J. (1999) Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London.
3. Naturenet (July, 2002)
   http://www.naturenet.net/law/wcagen.html
4. RSPB (September, 2009)
   http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/j/jackdaw/index.asp
5. Lack, P. (1986) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T. and A.D. Poyser Ltd, Calton.
6. Bruce Wilmore, S. (1977) Crows, Jays, Ravens and their Relatives. David and Charles Publishers Ltd, London.
7. Greenoak, F. (1979) All the birds of the air; the names, lore and literature of British birds. Book Club Associates, London.
8. DEFRA (September, 2009)
   http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/wildlife/management/index.htm
9. RSPB. (2003) Pers. comm.
10. British Trust for Ornithology (September, 2009)
    http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrjackd.shtml