Part 5: A Bit of Knowledge About the Hooded Crow

Hooded Crows – The Urban Survivors

The hooded crow (Corvus cornix) is one of the most recognizable and widespread members of the crow family in Northern Europe.
With its striking grey body and black head, wings, and tail, this clever and adaptable bird has become a familiar sight across Denmark — from quiet forests and farmlands to city rooftops, harbors, and beaches.

Renowned for its intelligence and resourcefulness, the hooded crow thrives wherever humans live, using its curiosity and sharp mind to find new ways to survive and flourish.

Diet

Seeds and nuts:
Collects fallen nuts and plucks seeds directly from plants and grasses.

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

Fish and small mammals:
In coastal areas and wetlands, they may catch small fish or hunt rodents and amphibians.

Human food and scraps:
Urban crows are expert scavengers and often feed on bread, meat leftovers, and other edible waste.

Special Adaptations

Hooded crows are true urban survivors.
They have learned to exploit human environments with remarkable ingenuity — opening food wrappers, searching through bins, and even dropping nuts on roads for cars to crack.
Their problem-solving abilities rival those of ravens and magpies, and they show strong memory and social cooperation when foraging.

This adaptability allows them to thrive in almost any environment — from the rugged coastline to bustling city streets.

General Feeding Guidelines for Corvids

Avoid:
Salt, spicy food, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, bread with additives, and raw or untreated meat (risk of disease).
If you offer meat, ensure it is cooked, unsalted, and only in small quantities.

Limit:
Sugary and high-fat foods, which may cause health problems.

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

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

Feeding Guide for Hooded Crows

Note:
These are general feeding recommendations. For specific advice, consult local wildlife experts who know the needs of corvids in your region.

Biology and Behavior

• Appearance: Distinct grey body with glossy black head, wings, and tail.
• Habitat: Common in cities, parks, farmland, forests, and coastal areas.
• Social life: Highly social; often forms colonies or small family groups that cooperate in feeding and defense.
• Breeding: Lays 4–6 eggs per clutch; chicks fledge after around three weeks.
• Distribution in Denmark: Found throughout the country in both urban and rural areas.
• Seasonal behavior:
  • Spring/Summer: Focused on nesting and raising young.
  • Autumn/Winter: Joins large flocks that roam widely in search of food.
• Communication: Loud, varied “kraaa” calls, sometimes mixed with softer, more melodic tones.
• Lifespan: Typically 10–12 years; can live up to 15 years in the wild.
• Diseases: May suffer from parasites, bacterial infections, and respiratory conditions.
• Tool use and feeding behavior: Known to use stones or hard surfaces to crack nuts and shells. Their inventive behavior and ability to adapt to changing conditions make them one of the most intelligent and resilient birds in Europe.