EP22 The Rook - Bird Song

The Rook, Corvus frugilegus, is a member of the crow family, Corvidae, and is native to Europe and parts of Asia. They typically inhabit open countryside, farmland, and wooded areas.
Rooks have distinctive black plumage, a long pointed bill, and a featherless patch of skin at the base of their bill. They are around 45-47 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 100 cm, and weigh around 400-500g.
Rooks have a distinctive call, which is a hoarse, cawing sound, often heard as a "kaa-kaw". They also have a range of other calls, including a low "gurgling" sound and a higher-pitched "croaking" sound.
In terms of behaviour, Rooks are social birds and often form large colonies, known as rookeries. They are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of food, including insects, small mammals, and carrion, as well as seeds and other plant material. They are also known to be scavengers and will feed on waste food and garbage.
Rooks are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed using tools, such as sticks, to access food sources, and have also been observed working together to achieve a goal. They are also known to be curious and have been observed investigating new objects and environments.
In terms of reproduction, Rooks typically nest in colonies, with each pair of birds building their own nest. They form monogamous pairs, and both parents are involved in caring for the young. The female typically lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for around 16-18 days. The young are cared for in the nest for around 4-5 weeks before fledging.
In summary, the Rook, Corvus frugilegus, is a distinctive member of the crow family, with black plumage, a distinctive call, and a range of interesting behaviours, including problem-solving and tool use. They are social birds, omnivorous, and typically nest in colonies, with both parents involved in caring for the young.