The Daurian jackdaw is a bird in the crow family, Corvidae, native to eastern Asia. It is closely related to the western jackdaw. The name derives from the Dauria region of eastern Russia.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds across southeastern Siberia, Mongolia, and northern and northeastern China, and winters further south in China, Korea, and Japan. It favors open woodlands, river valleys, steppe, and agricultural landscapes, often near human settlements. Roosts communally in trees or reedbeds outside the breeding season. Nests are placed in cavities in trees, rock faces, or man-made structures such as buildings and bridges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small corvid is closely related to the western jackdaw and often associates with rooks in winter flocks. It shows striking plumage polymorphism: some birds are pied with extensive white on the underparts and a pale collar, while others are darker and more jackdaw-like. It readily nests in cavities in trees, cliffs, and buildings, thriving around villages and farmland. The name refers to the Dauria region of eastern Russia.
Coloeus dauuricus - (MHNT)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming flocks that may mix with rooks and other corvids. Pairs are typically monogamous and nest in loose colonies when suitable cavities are abundant. They use a variety of nest sites, from tree holes to building crevices and cliff cavities.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, metallic chacks and kyak calls, often delivered in chatter. Flock communication is constant and varied, with harsher scolds near nests or when alarmed.
Plumage
Compact jackdaw with two main morphs: a pied morph showing white to pale grey face, breast and belly with a contrasting dark crown, wings and tail, and a darker morph resembling western jackdaw but paler overall with a pale nape. Feathers are glossy on the dark areas, often with a slight bluish sheen on the wings. Juveniles are duller and less contrasting.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates during the breeding season. It also eats seeds, grains, berries, and fruit, and will scavenge carrion or human food waste when available. Occasionally it takes small vertebrates or eggs, especially in farmland mosaics.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly on the ground in open fields, pastures, steppe, and field margins. Common around villages, farmyards, and parks where it forages along roadsides and stubble.
