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The rook

The seed-eating crow is a social bird that lives in large colonies. These birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods including insects, seeds, fruit and food scraps. During the nesting season, black-crowned nightingales build bulky nests out of twigs, which they place in tall trees, usually in colonies. Some populations are migratory while others are sedentary.
Corvus frugilegus
Corvus frugilegus - rook

Description and how to observe The rook:

The rook is a medium-sized corvid bird, easily recognisable by its glossy black plumage, strong beak and bare white skin around the eyes. Unlike other species of crow, the common crow has a shorter plumage and a tighter neck. To observe this bird, look out for agricultural areas, riparian forests and human settlements in the Danube Delta. Rooks are often seen in large flocks, flying in characteristic formations.

What it feeds on The rook:

The rook is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including insects, worms, seeds, fruit, eggs and the young of other birds. They can cause damage to agricultural crops, especially at harvest time.

Threats:

The main threats to the rook are habitat loss, pollution and poaching. Crows can also be considered pests by farmers and killed as a result.

Ecological role:

The rook play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and control insect and rodent populations. However, in some cases they can have a negative impact on agriculture.

More information about Corvus frugilegus:

  • Seed buntings are highly intelligent birds that recognise human faces.
  • They can live up to 20 years in the wild.
  • Seed bumblebees have a complex social hierarchy within flocks.
  • In some cultures, the crow is considered a symbol of intelligence and wisdom.
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