Hooded Crow

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Hooded Crow in the UK

A resident that replaces the Carrion Crow in Ireland and across most of north and west Scotland. The UK estimate is 285,000 territories (2016). It was treated as a race of Carrion Crow until 2002, when it was split as a full species. The two interbreed where their ranges meet in Scotland, producing hybrids with patchy grey. UK numbers rose by 23% between 1995 and 2024, but that hides a moderate decline in Scotland and a steep rise in Northern Ireland.

Where and when to see a Hooded Crow

Easy to see all year in the right area. Go to the Highlands north and west of the Great Glen, Skye, Mull, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland. In Northern Ireland it is the standard crow everywhere, including Belfast. It is also the crow of the Isle of Man. Look on shorelines, crofts, moorland, farmland and town parks. On the east coast of England it was once a regular winter visitor from Scandinavia, but is now scarce there.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Scotland, Ireland, IoM.
Diet: Omnivore.
Field note: Grey-and-black; replaces Carrion Crow.

How to identify a Hooded Crow

The same size and shape as a Carrion Crow, about 46 cm. The body is ash-grey: back, shoulders, breast and belly. The head, a ragged bib on the upper breast, the wings and the tail are black. The pattern shows at any range and in flight. Hybrids with Carrion Crow are common in the overlap zone and have less grey, often as dark smudges across the body. On the coast, watch for birds dropping shellfish onto rocks to break them.

Call and song

A harsh, croaking 'kraa', often repeated three or four times. To most ears it is the same as a Carrion Crow, though some birds sound slightly more rolling. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Carrion Crow: Carrion Crow is entirely black; any crow with a clean grey body is a Hooded, and one with patchy grey is a hybrid.
• Jackdaw: Jackdaw is much smaller with a short bill, a pale eye and grey only on the nape and sides of the head.

Related guide Bird migration in Britain.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Hooded Crow is an Uncommon tier bird, worth +3 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Northern RavenUncommon · Mountains
• JackdawCommon · Farmland
• Carrion CrowCommon · Everywhere
• RookCommon · Farmland

Hooded Crow: quick answers

Where can I see a Hooded Crow in the UK?

Anywhere in Northern Ireland, and in Scotland across the north and west Highlands and the islands. The Hebrides and Northern Isles have only Hooded Crows. In England and Wales it is a scarce visitor.

What is the difference between a Hooded Crow and a Carrion Crow?

Plumage and range. They are alike in size, shape, voice and habits, but the Hooded has a grey body. They meet along a narrow hybrid zone in Scotland, which has drifted north and west over the last century as Carrion Crows have gained ground.

What does a Hooded Crow eat?

Almost anything. Carrion, shellfish, crabs, insects, worms, grain, eggs and nestlings, and scraps around harbours and bins. Outside the breeding season it often feeds in loose groups on fields and beaches.

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