Rook Corvus frugilegus

Colonial nester of the countryside

Habitat: nest in clumps of tall trees, feeding in surrounding arable land

Widespread resident, except in the south of Essex, but declining

All-black bird with bare face and thinnish bill; 44–47 cm

Nest in noisy permanent colonies and usually feed in the fields in flocks

Feeds on ground-dwelling insects, worms, snails, grain and seeds, fruit; sometimes carrion

Untidy nest of sticks lined with grass and leaves, often added to each year and normally in a tall tree

1 brood March to April; 3–6 pale blue-green eggs, blotched brown