The Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) is a small black crow with a distinctive silvery grey sheen to the back of its head. Its pale eyes stand out from its plumage. This species is also known as The Western Jackdaw, the Eurasian jackdaw, or the European jackdaw.
The Jackdaw is found through all of Europe, and is the smallest crow in the region.
The Jackdaw's name is said to an onomatopoeic rendering of its call. If this is the case, then I think the bird should be called a 'tchackdawa' as its familiar call is normally rendered as 'tchack'!
Jackdaws will often nest in chimneys, buildings, rock crevices and tree holes, and I seem to associate them with old buildings, castles and churches! That may say more about the kind of place I used to live in, rather than the bird - but who knows.
These birds were feeding on the grass around the ponds at Slimbridge in the UK.
I like the look of concentration on the face of the closest bird.
As ever, to join in with WBW clink on the link below. SM
