COMMON RAVEN

Photographed in Wales, January, 2014

312              COMMON RAVEN           Corvus corax

Britain                (11)

Also known as Northern Raven. Found across the Northern Hemisphere, most widespread of corvids (crows). 56-78, wingspan 100-150 cm, 1.2 kgs. Co-exist with humans and in some areas regarded as pests. Intelligent. Thrives in a wide range of habitat.

HOODED CROW

311            HOODED CROW           Corvus cornix

Europe          (2)

Also known as Hoodiecrow, or locally as Danish Crow, Scotch Crow, and Corbie or Grey Crow in Ireland. It is found across Northern, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. 48-52 cm, wingspan 98 cm, weight averages 510 grams. It is an omnivore; will open mollusc and crabs by dropping them; will also hide food to eat later.

WESTERN JACKDAW

310            WESTERN JACKDAW              Corvus monedula

Britain      (10)

Also known as European Jackdaw, Eurasian Jackdaw and as simply Jackdaw. Ranges across Europe, western Asia and North Africa, mostly resident though northern and eastern population do migrate in the winter. 34-39 cm. Lives in small groups with a complex social structure. Found in farmlands, open woodlands, coastal cliffs and urban environments.

GREAT TIT

309            GREAT TIT        Parus major

Britain         (9)

Widespread and common in Europe, Middle East, Central and Northern Asia and parts of North Africa with woods. 12.5-14 cm. Very vocal and has up to 40 calls. Found in open deciduous woodlands, mixed forests, dense forests. Does not migrate except extreme winters. Monogamous, establishes a territory which it keeps. Lays 12 eggs in a batch, usually raises two broods a season.

CANADA GOOSE

Photographed in York, England

308            CANADA GOOSE             Branta canadensis

Britain          (8)

Native to Arctic and temperate regions of North America, it sometimes migrates to northern Europe and has been introduced to Britain and New Zealand. Has adapted well to human altered areas and so established itself in rural and urban areas, sometimes considered a pest. Most hunted bird in North America. 75-110 cm, wingspan 127-185 cm.

COMMON WOOD PIGEON

Photographed in York, England

307               COMMON WOOD PIGEON               Columba palumbus

Britain            (7)

In southern England commonly known as Culver. From the dove and pigeon family, Columbidae. Ranges across Europe and western Asia. 38-44.5 cm, 300-615 g. In flocks when not breeding season. Seen as an agricultural pest it is shot in many European countries.

EURASIAN MAGPIE

Photographed in Denmark

306                  EURASIAN MAGPIE                 Pica pica

Europe         (1)

Also known as European or Common Magpie. Range throughout Europe, much of Asia and northern-western Africa. Member of the crow family and believed to be one of the most intelligent birds. Found in suburban areas but prefers country and avoids humans. 20-30 cm. A number of sub-species.

Photographed in Denmark

Photographed in England

Photographed in England