English: Hooded Crow         
Russian: Серая ворона   
Mongolian: Саарал хэрээ   
German: Nebelkrahe  
French: Corneille mantelee       

Body length: 44-51 cm
Wing swan: 84-100 cm

Breeds in open woodland, on moors and wooded shores, in tree clumps in farming areas and in larger town parks. Resident in large parts of Europe, but many Finnish and Russian birds migrate in winter to Sweden and the North Sea countries. Hybridizes with Carrion Crow (see below) in a narrow zone of contact. Vigilant and shy with good reason, for is an outlaw in most countries. Omnivore, robs other birds’ nests, takes refuse and carrion, insects and other invertebrates on fields and seashores (incl. small fish, mussels etc), berries, seeds etc. Builds open stick nest in tree crown, usually well concealed.

Identification: Size of Rook and similar in shape, but recognized immediately by bicoloured plumage with dirty light grey body and black wings and tail along with black head and straggly black bib down to breast (sf. House Crow, p. 368). Flight is rather apathetic, almost sloppy, the wing-beats a little hesitant and without any bite (unlike Jackdaw’s somewhat deeper and more resolute beats). Often files high up. Flock formation generally loose.