
The rook (Corvus frugilegus) is a large bird in the crow family, found in parts of Europe and Asia. It has black feathers that can show a blue or purple shine in sunlight. Rooks are social birds, often seen in groups, and they have a unique whitish area of bare skin on their face, which helps to tell them apart from other crows.
Rooks typically build nests in tall trees, creating communities called rookeries, near farms or villages. While most rooks stay in their breeding areas year-round, some from northern regions migrate south during harsh winters. In the colder months, they gather in flocks, sometimes with other crow species. Breeding occurs in spring, and the birds mainly feed on insects, grubs, and grains.
Rooks live in open agricultural areas, avoiding forests, swamps, and urban areas. They prefer lowland habitats, typically nesting below 120 meters, but they can also nest at higher elevations. In Asia, a smaller subspecies exists, which has more feathers on its face. Rooks have also been introduced to New Zealand, where they are considered an invasive species.
These birds are very social and tend to flock together, forming long-term pair bonds. In the evening, they gather at their rookery before heading to communal roosting sites. In autumn, flocks grow as different groups come together. They mainly forage by walking or hopping on the ground, using their strong beaks to find food. Their flight is direct, with steady wing beats.