The Rook (Corvus frugilegus) is a large bird in the Corvus family of crows. It is a corvid.

The Rook has shiny, black feathers with a whitish, featherless area on its face. It has black, shaggy feathers on its legs. Its feet are also black. Its eyes are brown. Its large beak is grey-black.

It grows to 45-47 centimetres (18-19 inches) tall. 

The Rook is native to Eurasia – both Europe and Asia. It does not migrate – it is resident. However, rooks that live in northern Europe and Russia often move to the warmer regions in the south during winter. 

It does not live in the same habitats as Ravens. The Rook prefers open agricultural areas with pastures, but only if there are tall trees where it can build a nest. It is a lowland bird, and does not like mountains. It also lives near humans. 

It feeds on the ground. It pokes its strong beak into the ground to dig out grubs, earthworms, spiders, and small insects. It also eats fruit and cereals. 

It nests in tree tops. It is a social bird and the flock will make nests near each other. A group of nests is a called a rookery. It chooses a mate for life. 

The female lays 3-5 eggs, which hatch after 16-18 days.

[Location of photographs: Osh, Kyrgyzstan]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM