Hooded Crow

The hooded crow (Corvus cornix) is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the genus Corvus within the family Corvidae. It is a widely distributed Eurasian species found across northern, eastern, and south-eastern Europe, extending into parts of the Middle East and western Asia. Visually distinctive, the hooded crow is characterised by its contrasting ash-grey body and black head, throat, wings, tail, and thighs. Long regarded as closely related to the carrion crow (Corvus corone), it is now recognised as a separate species based on behavioural, ecological, and genetic evidence.

Taxonomy and Classification

The hooded crow was formally described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of Systema Naturae, where it was assigned the binomial name Corvus cornix. Linnaeus broadly listed its locality as Europe, later restricted to Sweden by the ornithologist Ernst Hartert in 1903. The generic name Corvus is derived from Latin, meaning “raven”, while cornix is the Latin word for “crow”.
For much of its taxonomic history, the hooded crow was treated as a subspecies of the carrion crow, under the name Corvus corone cornix. This classification reflected the close similarity between the two forms in size, structure, vocalisations, and general behaviour. However, since 2002, most ornithological authorities have elevated the hooded crow to full species status after studies demonstrated limited hybridisation and reduced fitness in hybrid offspring.

Etymology and Vernacular Names

The English name hooded crow dates back to early sixteenth-century Scotland and became established through works such as Scotia Illustrata (1684) by Robert Sibbald and British Zoology (1776) by Thomas Pennant. The name was formally adopted by the International Ornithologists’ Union following the species split from the carrion crow.
In Scotland, the bird is colloquially known as a hoodie or hoodie craw, while in Northern Ireland it is often called the grey crow. Historical regional names in England include Coatham crow, Royston crow, Scremerston crow, Danish crow, and winter crow, reflecting its former status as a winter visitor from Scandinavia. In other European languages, its name commonly translates to “grey crow”, while it is known as the pied crow in Dutch, fog crow in German, and dolman crow in Hungarian.

Subspecies

Four subspecies of the hooded crow are currently recognised:

• Corvus cornix cornix (Linnaeus, 1758): the nominate subspecies, occurring in Britain, Ireland, and much of continental Europe south to Corsica.
• Corvus cornix sharpii (Eugène Oates, 1889): a paler grey form found from western Siberia through the Caucasus to Iran.
• Corvus cornix pallescens (Gyula Madarász, 1904): the smallest subspecies, occurring in Turkey and Egypt, notable for its paler coloration.
• Corvus cornix capellanus (Philip Sclater, 1877): found in Iraq and south-western Iran, with very pale grey plumage that can appear almost white at a distance.

A fifth form, C. c. sardonius, has been proposed historically but is no longer widely accepted.

Description and Identification

The hooded crow measures approximately 48–52 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 98–102 cm and an average weight of around 500–510 g. Its most distinctive feature is the sharp contrast between the ash-grey body and the glossy black plumage of the head, throat, wings, tail, thighs, bill, legs, and feet. The dark shafts of the grey feathers give the body a faintly streaked appearance.
The iris is dark brown, and the sexes are similar in appearance, although males are generally slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage, bluish-grey eyes, and a reddish mouth interior when newly fledged. Like other crows, the hooded crow undergoes a single annual moult in autumn.
Vocalisations are harsh and familiar, closely resembling those of the carrion crow, making the two species difficult to distinguish by call alone.

Distribution and Habitat

The hooded crow breeds across northern and eastern Europe, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic states, and Russia, with closely related forms extending into southern Europe and western Asia. In the British Isles, it breeds regularly in northern and western Scotland, the Scottish islands, the Isle of Man, and throughout Ireland. During autumn and winter, individuals from northern populations may migrate south and west, occasionally reaching eastern England.
The species occupies a wide range of habitats, including farmland, woodland edges, coastal cliffs, urban areas, and open countryside. Its adaptability has allowed it to thrive in both rural and heavily modified environments.

Relationship with the Carrion Crow

The hooded crow and carrion crow form a well-studied hybrid zone stretching across parts of Europe, including northern Britain, Germany, Denmark, northern Italy, and western Siberia. In these regions, the two species interbreed, producing fertile hybrids. However, the hybrid zone remains narrow and stable, indicating strong reproductive isolation.
Genomic studies have shown that the two species are almost genetically identical, differing mainly in the expression of a small region of chromosome 18 responsible for plumage colour. The primary barrier to interbreeding is assortative mating, where individuals preferentially mate with birds of similar appearance.

Behaviour and Diet

Like other corvids, the hooded crow is highly intelligent, adaptable, and opportunistic. It is omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of food sources including insects, small mammals, eggs, nestlings, carrion, grains, fruit, and human refuse. Along coastlines, it commonly drops molluscs, crabs, and sea urchins onto hard surfaces to break them open, a behaviour shared with the carrion crow.
Food caching is common, with individuals hiding surplus food for later use. Other crows often observe these activities and attempt to steal cached items once the original bird departs.

Breeding and Nesting

Breeding timing varies with latitude and climate. In colder regions such as north-west Russia and the Faroe Islands, nesting occurs from mid-May to mid-June, while in warmer regions clutch laying may begin as early as February. In much of Europe, eggs are laid in April.
The nest is a bulky structure made of sticks and lined with softer material, typically placed high in trees, though cliffs, buildings, pylons, and occasionally ground sites may also be used. Coastal nests often incorporate seaweed, animal bones, or wire. Clutches usually consist of four to six blue-green eggs speckled with brown.
The female alone incubates the eggs for 17–19 days while being fed by the male. The altricial chicks fledge after approximately 32–36 days.