Photo by alkumaheerd
The bird linked is of race pallescens and was photographed in N Iran (Golestan NP)
The bird linked is of race pallescens and was photographed in N Iran (Golestan NP)
Alternative name: Mesopotamian Crow (capellanus)
- Corvus cornix
Identification
48-452cm.
- Glossy black head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers
- Gray "vest"
- Black bill and legs
- Iris dark brown
Juveniles have duller plumage with bluish or greyish eyes and, initially, a red mouth.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Four subspecies accepted:
- C. c. cornix - Northern Europe to Yenisey Valley, Ukraine, Corsica and southern Italy
- C. c. sharpii - Mainland Italy to Yugoslavia, Asia Minor, northern Iran and Kazakhstan
- C. c. pallescens - Coastal southern Turkey to Levant, northern Iraq and Egypt
- C. c. capellanus - Southern Iraq and adjacent south-western Iran
This species was formerly considered conspecific with Carrion Crow.
Habitat
Found almost anywhere from coast to moorland, even city centres.
Behaviour
Diet
Includes molluscs and crabs, the eggs of gulls, cormorants and other birds
Breeding
They build a bulky stick nest, placed in a tall tree, but cliff ledges, old buildings and pylons may be used. 4-6 brown-speckled blue eggs are incubated for 17-19 days by the female alone, who is fed by the male. The young fledge after 32-36 days.
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