Eurasian Jackdaw

Overview

Eurasian Jackdaw: Small, black crow with glossy blue-black metallic sheen on back and shoulders. Nape and ear patches are gray, eyes are pale gray, and bill is short and pointed. Feeds on insects, amphibians, reptiles, rodents, eggs and young of other birds, seeds, fruits and berries.

Range and Habitat

Eurasian Jackdaw: Accidental to casual in southeastern Canada and northeastern U.S. Found in both town and country, and is often seen around churches and old buildings; resident on farmlands and in towns and parks.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Eurasian Jackdaw is one of the smallest species in the genus of crows and ravens.
Aesop wrote four fables about Jackdaws: The Eagle and the Jackdaw, The Vain Jackdaw, The Escaped Jackdaw, and The Jackdaw and the Pigeon.
In some cultures, a Jackdaw on the roof is said to predict a new arrival; alternatively, a Jackdaw settling on the roof of a house is an omen of death and coming across one is considered a bad omen.
A group of jackdaws are collectively known as a "flock" and a "train" of jackdaws.