The hooded crow, also colloquially called just hoodie, is a Eurasian bird species in the genus Corvus. Widely distributed, it is found across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. It is an ashy grey bird with black head, throat, wings, tail, and thigh feathers, as well as a black bill, eyes, and feet. Like other corvids, it is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and feeder.
Region
Northern and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East
Typical Environment
The hooded crow occupies open and semi-open landscapes, including farmland, coastal cliffs and shorelines, moorland, river valleys, and urban parks. It is common in towns and cities, often nesting on buildings as well as tall trees. Along coasts it frequents beaches, estuaries, and intertidal zones to scavenge. In rural areas it forages in pastures and crop fields, often following ploughs. It also occurs on islands and remote headlands where carrion and seabird colonies provide food.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Highly intelligent and adaptable, hooded crows use problem-solving and caching to exploit a wide range of foods. They hybridize with the carrion crow in a well-studied contact zone, helping scientists understand speciation. Urban populations readily scavenge at landfills and learn to exploit human-made resources.
Corvus cornix capellanus, Baghdad, Iraq
A map of Europe indicating the distribution of the carrion and hooded crows on either side of a contact zone (white line) separating the two species
A hooded crow in flight at Isfahan, Iran
A group of hooded crows in Tehran, Iran
Leucistic hooded crow, in Russia
The hooded crow is a typical omnivore
Temperament
social and adaptable
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually forms monogamous pairs that defend territories during the breeding season. Outside breeding, it gathers in loose flocks and large communal roosts. Nests are bulky stick platforms placed high in trees, on cliffs, or on urban structures. Pairs often mob raptors and other predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Typical voice is a harsh, hoarse 'caw' delivered in series, lower-pitched than many smaller corvids. It also gives rattles, croaks, and softer contact notes. Vocal repertoire varies by context, and individuals can show limited mimicry.
