Eurasian Jackdaw
Coloeus monedula
Jackdaws are among the few non-primate species known to communicate using eye contact and can interpret human communicative gestures like pointing.
- Scientific name
- Coloeus monedula
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Corvidae › Coloeus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- urban
- Habitat
- Open woods, coastal cliffs, parks, and urban centers with old buildings.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on insects, small invertebrates, seeds, grain, and human food scraps.
- Range
- Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
- Size
- 34-39 cm in length with a 67-74 cm wingspan.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Loss of nesting sites in old buildings and reduced insect availability due to pesticides.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and highly social. Observe their complex social hierarchies from a distance. If an injured bird is found, use gloves to place it in a ventilated box and contact a wildlife rescue center. Do not feed bread; provide mealworms or seeds if desired.
The western jackdaw ( Coloeus monedula ), also known as the Eurasian jackdaw , European jackdaw , or simply jackdaw , is a passerine bird in the crow family. Found across Europe, western Asia and North Africa, it is mostly resident, although northern and eastern populations migrate south in winter. Four subspecies are recognised, which mainly differ in the colouration of the plumage on the head and nape. Linnaeus first described it formally, giving it the name Corvus monedula . The common...
Photo: Gergely Nigg, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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