Overview

Medium to large birds; many species are black or black and grey; others are pied; others are more colourful or well-patterned. Eight species breed in the UK; there are many others around the world.

Most crows are adaptable but often shy where persecuted; in towns, some become tame and may visit gardens. They all have strong, scaly feet, and stout (or downcurved) bills, mostly with a small patch of bristly feathers covering the nostrils.

These are one of my favourite groups of birds, characterful and often interacting with people in one way or another.  I used to think of crows and rooks as being black but after photographing them in nice light I have seen how iridescent their feathers can be.