Bare, greyish-white face, thinner beak and peaked head make it distinguishable from the carrion crow. Rooks are very sociable birds, and you're not likely to see one on its own. They feed and roost in flocks in winter, often together with jackdaws.
Key ID Features:
An all black, glossy, large corvid with a long, slightly down-curved ivory bill.
Rough feathers around the top of the legs give the effect of 'wearing baggy shorts'.
A rolling gait when walking, it feeds in fields and meadows, often in flocks mixed with either Carrion Crows or Jackdaws (but rarely both together).
A slightly wedged tail and quicker, looser wing beat help to distinguish from similar Carrion Crow in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Corvus frugilegus
Family: Crows and allies (Corvidae)
Where to see them:
Rooks are most usually seen in flocks in open fields, or feeding in small groups along a roadside. They will come into town parks and villages but largely keep clear of the middle of big towns and cities. They are absent from the far north west of Scotland.
Seen in UK:
All year round..
What they eat
Worms, grain and insects
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
