Rook  (Corvus frugilegus)

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

• Agri-environment schemes: these schemes allow the government to compensate farmers for using methods that benefit the environment. The two main initiatives in the UK are the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Since October 2000 these have formed part of the England Rural Development Programme (EDRP), administered by DEFRA, the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/erdphome.htm for more on these initiatives.
• Omnivorous: an organism that feeds on both plants and animals.

1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (July 2002): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
2. Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterstrom, D., & Grant, P.J. (1999) Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London.
3. Naturenet (July 2002): http://www.naturenet.net/law/wcagen.html
4. RSPB (2003) The population status of birds in the UK http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/5_20625.pdf
5. Bruce Wilmore, S. (1977) Crows, jays, ravens and their relatives. David and Charles (Publishers) Ltd, London.
6. Lack, P. (1986) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T. & A. D. Poyser Ltd, Calton.
7. Greenoak, F. (1979) All the birds of the air; the names, lore and literature of British birds. Book Club Associates, London.
8. RSPB (2003) Pers. comm.