Scientific name: Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758
Bird group: Crows
Field characters. 62 cm. The largest member of its family; has very stout bill, entirely black, glossy plumage and elongated throat-feathers which give a shaggy appearance. Juvenile has brownish black plumage, which lacks gloss. Always distinguishable from Carrion Crow and Hooded Crow by large size, enormous bill, "shaggy" throat, long neck, long diamond-shaped tail, and voice. Flight is powerful, with slow wing-beats; often seen soaring(unlike Carrion and Hooded Crow); will perform acrobatics, especially during breeding season.
Voice. A deep, 2 or 3 times repeated "krruk"; in particular during breeding season also other chuckling and croaking notes.
Distribution. Fairly common resident, although juveniles from northernmost populations disperse southward during winter.
Habitat. Prefers cliffs, mountain areas and rough terrain in general; locally also in thickly forested districts, if open fields nearby.
Food. Basically omnivorous, but animal matter predominates; kills animals up to the size of a hare, and occasionally weak lambs. Also takes carrion, and some vegetable matter.