Our smallest crow, the jackdaw is a bird of woodland, parkland, coasts and urban areas. It nests in holes in trees, and on cliffs and buildings; sometimes it will even nest in chimneys! It eats invertebrates, fruit, seeds and carrion, and occasionally takes eggs and nestlings. A sociable bird, the jackdaw can be seen in flocks, often performing aerial acrobatics or repeating its short, loud 'kya' call. Jackdaws mate for life, pairing-up during their first year, but not mating until the year after. The pair will often sit next to each other, preening.
How to identify
The jackdaw has a short, chunky bill, a grey 'shawl' around the back of the head, a black cap and a white eye.
Did you know?
The common name of the jackdaw probably comes from two separate words: 'jack' meaning rogue (it is a well-known thief) and 'daw', which is an imitation of its call.
