The Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix), also known as the scald-crow or hoodie, is a Eurasian bird species found across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. This ash-grey bird has black feathers on its head, throat, wings, tail, and thighs, along with a black bill, eyes, and feet. It is an omnivorous scavenger, similar to the carrion crow (Corvus corone), with which it was once considered a geographical race until it was recognized as a distinct species in 2002 due to limited hybridization and reduced vigor in hybrids.
Hooded crows measure 48 to 52 cm (19 to 20 in) in length, with a wingspan of about 105 cm (41 in) and an average weight of 510 g. Males are usually larger than females, and their plumage exhibits contrasting greys and blacks. Their flight is slow and heavy. The hooded crow’s call is nearly indistinguishable from that of the carrion crow.
As scavengers, hooded crows feed on mollusks, crabs, small mammals, scraps, smaller birds, and carrion, often stealing eggs from gulls and puffins.
