Carrion Crow - Corvus corone

All black plumage with a shiny black beak (compared with the grey base to the beak of the Rook).

Found almost everywhere, from the centre of cities to upland moorlands, and from woodlands to seashore.

All year round

The all-black Carrion Crow is one of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. It is often quite fearless, although it can be wary of man. They are fairly solitary, usually found alone or in pairs. The closely related Hooded Crow has recently been split as a separate species. Carrion Crows will come to gardens for food and although often cautious initially, they soon learn when it is safe, and will return repeatedly to take advantage of whatever is on offer.

Common and widespread in Britain

Common as a breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland