| Jackdaw - Corvus monedula - Family: Corvidae
 Jackdaw - Corvus monedula© Robin Chittenden www.harlequinpictures.co.ukThis sociable and intelligent bird is a small crow with a pale greyish patch on the back and sides of its neck. The rest of the plumage is glossy blue-back. Jackdaws have a short black bill, a pale eye and walk with a swagger. They are widespread and common throughout Britain and Ireland in both town and country, and they are often found in large flocks. They nest in holes on cliff ledges, in holes in trees and in buildings, sometimes, inconveniently, in chimneys. Nests located there are rather untidy accumulations of surprisingly large quantities of sticks, as anyone who has had to spend time removing them will be able to testify! Their construction method is to drop a succession of sticks down the chimney until something lodges and then build up from the platform. This is effective but not efficient! Their typical call note is a not unpleasant 'keeow', more musical and less harsh than the noises made by their larger relatives, rooks and crows. They are present throughout the year. FoodJackdaws eat a wide variety of plants and animals, particularly invertebrates in short grassland in the breeding season. Will also take food left out. Predator of small mammals (mice), amphibians (frogs), slugs and snails, worms and ants. PlantsHazel, Pedunculate oak, Sessile oak PreyAnts, Beetles, Brown chafer, Brown-lipped banded snail, Butterflies, Common frog, Common shrew, Great crested newt, House sparrow, Moths, September cranefly, Slugs and snails, Smooth newt, Wood mouse, Worms, Yellow-necked mouse |
