They have been observed using basic tools and been discovered to have excellent memory. These birds are very intelligent – they have the largest brains of all birds (except for parrots). They may target gamebird eggs specifically, which is why they are often target by gamekeepers, as well as sheep farmers as they are thought to kill young lambs. Sometimes, these crows bury their food for later consumption or drop certain food with hard shells (e.g. For example, they will watch other species of birds build their nests and then steal their eggs. The food of Carrion Crows consists of carrion (as the name suggests!), insects, worms, seeds, fruits, eggs and scraps – making them opportunists feeders. The average lifespan of a Carrion Crow is 7-14 years. After 35 days, the chicks are ready to fledge, but often stay close to their parents for some time. When the eggs hatch, they are initially fed with food regurgitated by the female, but the male also contributes to raising them. During this time, the male brings food to the female. In April, the female lays 4-5 bluish-green speckled eggs in the nest and then incubates them for 20 days. pegs, paper, cloth), is held together with mud and is lined with wool, hair and grass.

A nest is built of thick branches, twigs and odd objects (e.g.

The breeding pair then remains together for the rest of their life and produce a single brood of chicks each year. Breeding begins through courtship – the pair preen each other and the male displays rapid head-bowing. Carrion Crows can begin breeding when they reach the age of 3. Breeding territories in urban areas can be as little as 10% the size of those in rural areas. There are approximately 1,000,000 breeding territories in the UK, each with 1 pair of Carrion Crows.

Carrion crows