Part 4: A Bit of Knowledge About the Carrion Crow

Carrion Crows – The Adaptable Forest Foragers

The carrion crow (Corvus corone) is one of Denmark’s most adaptable and intelligent corvids.
Recognizable by its glossy black plumage and strong beak, this resourceful bird thrives in a wide range of habitats — from quiet forests and open farmlands to bustling city parks and coastal cliffs.

Its keen intelligence, problem-solving skills, and varied diet make it one of the most successful crow species in Europe. Wherever it lives, the carrion crow finds a way to adapt, survive, and even flourish.

Diet

Bird eggs and chicks:
Occasionally takes eggs or young from other birds’ nests.

Insects:
Feeds on larvae, beetles, spiders, and other invertebrates found in soil or vegetation.

Fruits and berries:
Enjoys seasonal fruits like apples, blackberries, and nuts — especially in late summer and autumn.

Small mammals and amphibians:
Sometimes hunts small rodents, reptiles, or amphibians when available.

Adaptation

Carrion crows are experts in versatility.
They can find food in virtually any environment — from farmlands and forest edges to coastal shores and urban centers.
Their ability to solve problems, recognize patterns, and use simple tools has made them remarkably successful in human-altered landscapes.

Like their relatives, they are also highly social and form strong pair bonds, often cooperating with others to forage or defend their territories.

General Feeding Guidelines for Corvids

Avoid:
Salt, spicy food, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, bread with additives, and raw or untreated meat (risk of disease).
If meat is provided, it must be cooked, unsalted, and offered only in small portions.

Limit:
Sugary or fatty foods, which may cause health issues.

Unlimited (with care):
Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, corn, berries, carrots, and cooked rice or unseasoned pasta.

Limited amounts:
Small portions of high-quality cat or dog food, cheese, eggs, cooked boneless fish, and grains.

Feeding Guide for Carrion Crows

Note:
These are general recommendations. For more precise guidance about local crow populations, consult wildlife specialists or bird rehabilitators familiar with regional corvid species.

Biology and Behavior

• Appearance: Glossy black feathers with a subtle greenish sheen; strong beak and confident posture.
• Habitat: Found in cities, farmlands, forest edges, and coastal regions.
• Social life: Usually lives in pairs or small family groups, though larger flocks form in winter.
• Breeding: Lays 4–6 eggs per clutch, often producing 1–2 clutches per year. The chicks fledge after about 20–25 days.
• Distribution in Denmark: Common and widespread throughout the country.
• Seasonal behavior:
  • Spring/Summer: Territorial and focused on nesting.
  • Autumn/Winter: Joins flocks to forage and scavenge across open landscapes.
• Communication: Deep, repetitive “kraaa” calls used for alarm, coordination, and social interaction.
• Lifespan: Typically 10–15 years in the wild.
• Diseases: Can be affected by avian influenza, parasites, and bacterial infections.
• Tool use and feeding behavior: Known to use stones or other objects to crack open nuts, shells, or eggs. Their inventive foraging and problem-solving abilities highlight the exceptional intelligence that defines all corvids.