Part 8: A Bit of Knowledge About the Jackdaw
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
Jackdaws are known for their adaptability and ability to find food in both urban and rural environments. They are highly intelligent, social birds that often live in colonies and form strong pair bonds.
Diet
Seeds and nuts:
Often eaten directly from plants or collected from the ground.
Insects:
They feed on larvae, beetles, and spiders.
Human leftovers:
Jackdaws sometimes seek out scraps or human-produced food in towns and cities.
Bird eggs and chicks:
Occasionally, they take eggs or chicks from other birds’ nests.
Special characteristics
Jackdaws are extremely adaptable and can find food in a wide variety of habitats.
They are intelligent problem-solvers and have even been observed using simple tools to access food like nuts or insects.
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 fresh meat, it should always be unsalted and given only in small amounts.
Limit:
Sugary foods and anything too fatty, as it can cause health problems.
Can be given freely (with care):
Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g. apples, bananas, carrots, corn, berries), cooked rice, and plain cooked pasta (no spices or sauces).
In limited amounts:
High-protein foods like cat or dog food (only small portions and of good quality).
Cheese, eggs (small quantities only), fish (must be cooked and boneless if possible), and grains.
Feeding overview for corvids
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | Fresh fruit and vegetables, cooked rice, cooked pasta | Must be plain and unsalted |
| Limited | Grains, small portions of high-quality cat/dog food, eggs | Feed sparingly and in moderation |
| Avoid | Salt, spicy food, chocolate, alcohol, raw meat, bread with additives | Harmful or unsafe for corvids |
Note:
These are general guidelines. Always check with local wildlife experts for the most accurate advice on feeding local corvid species.
Biology and lifestyle
- Appearance: Small crow with a black body and a distinct pale eye ring.
- Habitat: Found in cities, open landscapes, and wooded areas.
- Social life: Lives in colonies, often in large groups.
- Breeding: Lays 4–6 eggs, typically 1–2 clutches per year. The young leave the nest after about three weeks.
- Distribution in Denmark: Very common throughout the country.
- Seasonal behavior: Breeds in spring; gathers in large flocks during winter.
- Communication: Short, raspy calls such as “kraa” or “krrr.”
- Lifespan: Up to 8–10 years in the wild; can live longer in captivity.
- Common diseases: Parasites, respiratory infections, bacterial diseases.
- Tool use: Known to use tools to crack nuts or extract insects.
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