The Jackdaw,(Corvus monedula) is a medium-sized passerine bird in the crow family, Corvidae. It is widely distributed across Europe, Western Asia, and parts of North Africa and is easily recognizable by its striking black and grey plumage. The jackdaw is a social and intelligent bird, often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. It is smaller than its close relatives, such as the carrion crow, with a body length of approximately 34-39 cm and a wingspan of about 67-72 cm.

The adult Corvus monedula has a black head, pale grey nape and upperparts, and black wings and tail. Its eyes are a distinctive pale blue or grey, which contrast sharply with the dark plumage. Juveniles, on the other hand, have a duller appearance with darker plumage and gradually acquire the characteristic adult markings as they mature. The jackdaw is known for its chattering calls and highly social behavior, often found in urban areas, forests, and farmlands.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Aves

• Order: Passeriformes

• Family: Corvidae

• Genus: Corvus

• Species: Corvus monedula

Physical Characteristics and Structure

Corvus monedula is a small to medium-sized bird with a compact body and relatively short wings compared to other members of the crow family. The head is one of its most distinctive features, with its black feathers contrasting with the pale grey nape and neck. The jackdaw’s beak is strong and slightly curved, designed for foraging for a wide range of food, from small invertebrates to seeds and scraps.

The bird’s feet are relatively strong and adapted for grasping, as the jackdaw often perches on trees, buildings, and other structures. Its tail is short and square, which gives it a distinctive appearance when in flight. The jackdaw is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and agricultural areas to urban environments, where it often forages around human settlements.

Physical Properties

Corvus monedula typically measures between 34 and 39 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 67-72 cm. The weight of an adult bird ranges from 170 to 250 grams, making it relatively lightweight compared to other crows. Its flight is characterized by rapid, flapping motions followed by glides, and it is capable of quick directional changes, making it highly agile.

The pale blue-grey eyes are one of the most distinctive physical features of the jackdaw, which helps in identification. The black and grey plumage, though not as striking as other corvids, gives the jackdaw a sleek and sharp appearance. Its strong, slightly curved beak and robust feet enable it to adapt to various feeding methods, whether foraging for invertebrates or scavenging for food in human-populated areas.

Reproductive Process and Biological Cycle

Corvus monedula is monogamous during the breeding season, with pairs forming long-term bonds. The jackdaw nests in cavities, often in trees, cliffs, or even man-made structures like chimneys and roof spaces in urban areas. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs, which are typically incubated for about 17-18 days. Both parents share the incubation duties, with the male often feeding the female while she incubates the eggs.

Once hatched, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless. Both parents feed the chicks, bringing them a diet of insects, seeds, and other food items. After about 4 weeks, the chicks fledge and leave the nest, although they may remain in the vicinity for some time as they continue to be cared for by the parents.

Jackdaws often nest in colonies, which can include several pairs in close proximity. These colonies provide social benefits, such as increased protection against predators. The birds are highly social and often communicate with one another using a range of vocalizations and body language.

Ecology and Environmental Role

Corvus monedula plays a significant ecological role as both a scavenger and a predator. It is highly opportunistic in its feeding habits, consuming a wide variety of food, from small animals and insects to seeds and human food scraps. This adaptability allows the jackdaw to thrive in a range of habitats, including urban areas, where it often feeds on food discarded by humans.

In terms of its ecological impact, the jackdaw helps control insect populations and acts as a cleaner in its environment by scavenging. Its role in seed dispersal is also important, as it occasionally forages for seeds and plants, indirectly assisting in plant regeneration.

Environmental and Conservation Considerations

Corvus monedula is not currently considered a species of conservation concern, as it is widespread and relatively common in many areas, including urban environments. However, like many other bird species, the jackdaw may be affected by habitat loss, particularly the destruction of nesting sites in old trees and buildings. In urban areas, jackdaws have adapted to human-made structures, but the loss of suitable nesting sites in rural or woodland areas could impact local populations.

Climate change, which can alter the timing of breeding seasons and food availability, may also have an effect on jackdaw populations, although the species is generally considered to be adaptable to changing conditions. Conservation efforts focused on maintaining and creating nesting opportunities, such as preserving old trees and buildings, would benefit the jackdaw population in the long term.

It is a carrier of parasites harmful to humans. (1)

It lives in large groups that hunt prey together. They frequently raid the nests of small birds, destroying them and eating their eggs.

They attack hawks and kestrels in groups.

It is an intelligent animal, and it is not uncommon for it to attack humans by pecking at their head or attempting to strike their eyes. (2)

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Hudson, S. J., Sobo, A. O., Russel, K., & Lightfoot, N. F. (1990). Jackdaws as potential source of milk-borne Campylobacter jejuni infection.

Abstract. Campylobacter enteritis was reported in a cluster of 58 people living in the same locality in a rural area of North East England. Cases were spread over a 3-month period from May to July and most subjects could remember drinking cold milk during the preceding week from bottles whose tops has been pecked by birds. Birds of the crow family including magpies and jackdaws had been observed pecking milk bottles. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 2 out of 5 pecked bottles examined and not from 4 intact bottles. Two isolates from patients and one from milk were serotyped and found to belong to different serogroups. The correspondents reported that multiple serotypes had previously been found in milk-borne outbreaks.newline˜R.A.E. Barrell

(2) http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/maggio/04/corvi_all_attacco_Tel_Aviv_co_0_9205047797.shtml

http://www.corriere.it/Primo_Piano/Esteri/06_Giugno/12/corvitokyo.shtml

http://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2012/05/25/news/la_cornacchia_che_tiene_in_scacco_studenti_e_insegnanti_di_una_scuola-35862975/

The Jackdaw,(Corvus monedula) is a medium-sized passerine bird in the crow family, Corvidae. It is widely distributed across Europe, Western Asia, and parts of North Africa and is easily recognizable by its striking black and grey plumage. The jackdaw is a social and intelligent bird, often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. It is smaller than its close relatives, such as the carrion crow, with a body length of approximately 34-39 cm and a wingspan of about 67-72 cm.

The adult Corvus monedula has a black head, pale grey nape and upperparts, and black wings and tail. Its eyes are a distinctive pale blue or grey, which contrast sharply with the dark plumage. Juveniles, on the other hand, have a duller appearance with darker plumage and gradually acquire the characteristic adult markings as they mature. The jackdaw is known for its chattering calls and highly social behavior, often found in urban areas, forests, and farmlands.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Aves

• Order: Passeriformes

• Family: Corvidae

• Genus: Corvus

• Species: Corvus monedula

Physical Characteristics and Structure

Corvus monedula is a small to medium-sized bird with a compact body and relatively short wings compared to other members of the crow family. The head is one of its most distinctive features, with its black feathers contrasting with the pale grey nape and neck. The jackdaw’s beak is strong and slightly curved, designed for foraging for a wide range of food, from small invertebrates to seeds and scraps.

The bird’s feet are relatively strong and adapted for grasping, as the jackdaw often perches on trees, buildings, and other structures. Its tail is short and square, which gives it a distinctive appearance when in flight. The jackdaw is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and agricultural areas to urban environments, where it often forages around human settlements.

Physical Properties

Corvus monedula typically measures between 34 and 39 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 67-72 cm. The weight of an adult bird ranges from 170 to 250 grams, making it relatively lightweight compared to other crows. Its flight is characterized by rapid, flapping motions followed by glides, and it is capable of quick directional changes, making it highly agile.

The pale blue-grey eyes are one of the most distinctive physical features of the jackdaw, which helps in identification. The black and grey plumage, though not as striking as other corvids, gives the jackdaw a sleek and sharp appearance. Its strong, slightly curved beak and robust feet enable it to adapt to various feeding methods, whether foraging for invertebrates or scavenging for food in human-populated areas.

Reproductive Process and Biological Cycle

Corvus monedula is monogamous during the breeding season, with pairs forming long-term bonds. The jackdaw nests in cavities, often in trees, cliffs, or even man-made structures like chimneys and roof spaces in urban areas. The female lays between 3 to 7 eggs, which are typically incubated for about 17-18 days. Both parents share the incubation duties, with the male often feeding the female while she incubates the eggs.

Once hatched, the chicks are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless. Both parents feed the chicks, bringing them a diet of insects, seeds, and other food items. After about 4 weeks, the chicks fledge and leave the nest, although they may remain in the vicinity for some time as they continue to be cared for by the parents.

Jackdaws often nest in colonies, which can include several pairs in close proximity. These colonies provide social benefits, such as increased protection against predators. The birds are highly social and often communicate with one another using a range of vocalizations and body language.

Ecology and Environmental Role

Corvus monedula plays a significant ecological role as both a scavenger and a predator. It is highly opportunistic in its feeding habits, consuming a wide variety of food, from small animals and insects to seeds and human food scraps. This adaptability allows the jackdaw to thrive in a range of habitats, including urban areas, where it often feeds on food discarded by humans.

In terms of its ecological impact, the jackdaw helps control insect populations and acts as a cleaner in its environment by scavenging. Its role in seed dispersal is also important, as it occasionally forages for seeds and plants, indirectly assisting in plant regeneration.

Environmental and Conservation Considerations

Corvus monedula is not currently considered a species of conservation concern, as it is widespread and relatively common in many areas, including urban environments. However, like many other bird species, the jackdaw may be affected by habitat loss, particularly the destruction of nesting sites in old trees and buildings. In urban areas, jackdaws have adapted to human-made structures, but the loss of suitable nesting sites in rural or woodland areas could impact local populations.

Climate change, which can alter the timing of breeding seasons and food availability, may also have an effect on jackdaw populations, although the species is generally considered to be adaptable to changing conditions. Conservation efforts focused on maintaining and creating nesting opportunities, such as preserving old trees and buildings, would benefit the jackdaw population in the long term.

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Hudson, S. J., Sobo, A. O., Russel, K., & Lightfoot, N. F. (1990). Jackdaws as potential source of milk-borne Campylobacter jejuni infection.

Abstract. Campylobacter enteritis was reported in a cluster of 58 people living in the same locality in a rural area of North East England. Cases were spread over a 3-month period from May to July and most subjects could remember drinking cold milk during the preceding week from bottles whose tops has been pecked by birds. Birds of the crow family including magpies and jackdaws had been observed pecking milk bottles. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 2 out of 5 pecked bottles examined and not from 4 intact bottles. Two isolates from patients and one from milk were serotyped and found to belong to different serogroups. The correspondents reported that multiple serotypes had previously been found in milk-borne outbreaks.newline˜R.A.E. Barrell

(2) http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/maggio/04/corvi_all_attacco_Tel_Aviv_co_0_9205047797.shtml

http://www.corriere.it/Primo_Piano/Esteri/06_Giugno/12/corvitokyo.shtml

http://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2012/05/25/news/la_cornacchia_che_tiene_in_scacco_studenti_e_insegnanti_di_una_scuola-35862975/