Carrion Crow Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Carrion Crows are a familiar sight all across the UK with the exception of the north west of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. They are highly intelligent birds that have the ability to recognise human faces particularly those that have given them food or been unkind towards them.
They have an impressive glossy black coat that shines under sunlight. They have black legs, feet and a slightly hooked black beak. Their distinctive orange-yellow eyes give them a striking appearance.
In this article we’ll be taking a close look at the dietary habits, breeding habits, size and weight of the Carrion Crow. As well as looking at their conservation status and what predators they face. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Carrion Crow
Carrion Crows are opportunistic omnivores and will eat a wide range of foods.
What Does A Carrion Crow Eat?
Carrion Crows have a varied diet and will eat; carrion (dead animals) including roadkill and other animal carcasses. They also eat worms, beetles, snails, slugs and other insects particularly when they are more plentiful during the spring and summer months.
Carrion Crows will also prey on small mammals like mice and will even raid other birds’ nests for eggs and chicks. During autumn they’re likely to be found eating crops like wheat, corn and other grains as well as fruit, nuts and berries.
They will also sort through human waste in search of any food scraps which has given them a reputation as messy birds. They rip through black refuse bags discarding any inedible waste and removing anything that’s edible.
These intelligent birds have been observed dropping nuts onto busy roads and waiting for cars to drive over them and crack them open. The Crows then dash out into the road to retrieve them once the traffic light turns red.
What To Feed A Baby Carrion Crow?
Carrion Crows feed their chicks on a diet of high protein foods which support their rapid growth. They bring the chicks softened meat from carrion or prey animals including insects and small mammals as well as worms and slugs.
The parents often soften the food first by partially digesting it, which makes it easier for the chicks to digest.
Breeding Habits Of Carrion Crows
Carrion Crows have fascinating breeding habits and display various courtship behaviours that strengthen the bond between mates. The male will puff up his feathers, perform aerial displays and call loudly to attract the attention of the female.
He will also present the female with pieces of food which displays his ability to provide for her and her future chicks. Carrion Crows are highly territorial and pairs will aggressively defend their territory against any intruders.
The pair work together to build a nest and both will feed their offspring once they hatch. Even after the chicks fledge, the parents will continue to feed them for around 3 to 4 weeks until the fledglings can fend for themselves.
Carrion Crows form tight family units and offspring from previous years often come and assist in looking after this year’s brood.
Do Carrion Crows Mate For Life?
Carrion Crows are generally monogamous, with pairs often staying together for life. They form strong bonds, and once they choose a mate, they defend their territory together.
The Size & Weight Of Carrion Crows
Carrion Crows are fairly large, heavy birds with no discernible differences in size and weight between males and females.
How Much Does A Carrion Crow Weigh?
Carrion Crows weigh anywhere between 365 to 655 grams. This weight variation can be due to a number of factors including; age, food availability and the time of year. Egg bearing females are likely to weigh more than non-egg bearers for example.
How Big Is A Carrion Crow?
An adult Carrion Crow has an average length of between 45 to 48 cm and a wingspan of around 92 to 105 cm. They have distinctive slots at the ends of their wings known as “fingers” which help them to stay aloft without the need to flap their wings too much as they search for food and prey.
Are Carrion Crows Under Threat?
Carrion Crows are not considered to be under any significant threat and have a stable population with a wide range that stretches all across Europe and parts of Asia. This is reflected in their classification of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
They can readily adapt to many different habitats which helps their population remain stable. Having said that, they do face some localised threats in some areas. These include; habitat loss due to deforestation, urban development and agricultural expansion. In many agricultural areas they are considered to be pests and many are trapped or poisoned.
They are also under threat from environmental pollution. They face problems with ingesting chemicals like pesticides, rodenticides, herbicides and other pollutants.
What Eats A Carrion Crow?
Due to their size, intelligence and defensive behaviours, adult Carrion Crows have few natural predators. Having said that, Goshawks, Eagles and Owls will take adult Carrion Crows as prey. However, they are usually cautious and highly aware of any predators and use their intelligence to avoid any threats.
Eggs and chicks are far more vulnerable and those same birds of prey will take eggs and chicks. As will foxes, martens, squirrels and even domestic cats.
Carrion Crows are also skilled at mobbing larger predators, either alone or with other crows, to protect their nests and territories. This behaviour helps to deter potential threats and is part of why they’ve thrived across so many different habitats.
Where Can I See Carrion Crows In The UK?
Carrion Crows are widespread across the UK and can be seen in a variety of habitats. Some of the best places to spot them include:
- Urban Areas
Carrion Crows can often be seen in parks and gardens in town and city centres as they scavenge for food. - Farmland & Countryside
Carrion Crows thrive in rural environments and can be seen in agricultural fields, meadows and along hedgerows. - Forests & Woodland
They tend to construct their nests high up in tall trees which makes woodlands and forests the ideal place to spot them during the breeding season. - Moorlands & Coastal Cliffs
In more rugged areas, like the moorlands of Scotland or the coastal cliffs of Wales, Carrion Crows are often seen scavenging close to cliffs or rocky outcrops. - National Parks
Carrion Crows are often spotted in the nation’s national parks with many reported sightings occurring in the lake District, the Peak District and Dartmoor. - Nature Reserves
As resilient adaptable birds, Carrion Crows will be found wherever there is a source of food. Nature reserves and bird sanctuaries offer the perfect places to spot these resourceful birds.
Carrion Crows are active year-round in the UK, so you can observe them anytime, though they’re particularly noticeable in spring during the breeding season, when they’re more territorial and vocal.
SEE ALSO: Sparrowhawk Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Carrion Crows get the carrion part of their name because they will eat almost anything including dead animal carcasses (carrion).
Carrion Crows are highly intelligent and can even recognise human faces. They can identify who has provided them with food and who has treated them badly.
Yes, Carrion Crows do mate for life. They form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years, until one of the pair dies.
