Rooks

 Identify It >   Bird Section >   Rooks >

Scientific name:  Corvus frugilegus

Size:  Approx 45cm.  Wingspan 80cm to 98cm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK

Months seen:  All year round

Life Span: 15 to 20 years

Habitat:  Farmland, grassland and parks.  Usually seen in large flocks (often with jackdaws)

Food:  Omnivorous - worms, insects, seeds etc.

Special features:  Rooks have all black plumage, similar to carrion crows except Rooks have off white coloured cheeks, a grey beak and shaggier plumage (especially around the legs).  The plumage has a purple sheen.

The juvenile rooks lack the white cheeks for the first year, which makes them look very similar to Carrion Crows, but with feathered legs and a purple sheen to the plumage.

Rooks tend to partner for life and mating can occur from late January through to March.

Rooks are very sociable birds and you'll often see them in large groups.  They feed and roost together in flocks in winter, sometimes with a few Crows and Jackdaws amongst them.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Bird Section
• What's Out Now?