Hooded crow

Scientific name: Corvus cornix

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Distinctive grey and black plumage with black head, wings, and tail; grey body. Size comparable to or slightly larger than a rook. Sexes are similar in appearance, though males average marginally larger.

Size and weight

370–520 g, 48–52 cm. Males typically 10–15 % heavier than females.

Habitat

Hooded crows inhabit open and semi-open cultural landscapes, pastures, and urban environments. They avoid dense forest but favour parkland and scattered woodland from lowland to mid-alpine zones.

Distribution

Hooded crows range across northern and eastern Europe; in Norway found from the coast through eastern lowlands. Partially resident with seasonal movement.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding primarily on carrion, insects, and plant matter; exploits road-kill, eggs, chick remains, and grain depending on season and availability.

Behaviour

Diurnal with peaks at dawn and dusk. Social birds often seen in pairs or small flocks; highly intelligent and inquisitive with considerable flight distance when alarmed.

Hunting tips

Scout open ground for fresh carrion and insect concentrations where crows congregate. Screening or waiting positions along open fields at first light or dusk can be productive. Wariness and keen eyesight mean stillness and minimal silhouette are critical—birds detect both outline and flash.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 6 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.