Western Jackdaw

How to recognise it

• Black plumage with a grey nape, blue-black crown and dark grey underparts
• Strikingly pale iris and a short, stout black bill
• Male and female look alike, young birds have a brown iris and browner wings
• Jerky wingbeats in flight and an upright stance on the ground

Call and song

The call is a metallic "jack". Jackdaws are very talkative, especially in flocks, and can move around noisily. Against predators it gives a hoarse, drawn-out "arrrrr" or "kaaaarr" alarm call.

Where and when

The Western Jackdaw is a partial migrant that breeds in Sweden. It occurs in southern and central Sweden and along the Norrland coast to Norrbotten, locally also in inland Norrland. Some birds winter in Sweden, while others move south and return as early as March to April. The Swedish population was estimated at 199 000 pairs in 2018. It is reported all year round and from all 21 counties.

Food and behaviour

It mainly eats small invertebrates up to 18 mm. It also eats grain, weed seeds, elderberries, acorns and cultivated fruit, and feeds mainly on open ground. Towards autumn jackdaws gather in flocks, often together with rooks and crows. They usually breed in colonies, in cavities such as woodpecker holes or chimneys. Almost all pairs that have been together for more than six months stay together for life.