Highly Intelligent Crows: Nature’s Clever Birds
England has eight species of crows (corvids). From Cornish choughs (above) to more common carrion crows (the ones poking around your lawn, taking an interest in everything that moves). Let’s meet all of them (and how to tell the difference), then learn how we can help these most intelligent of birds.
All UK crows are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. You can contact National Wildlife Crime Unit (anonymous if preferred) to report any concerns.
How to Help England’s Crows
Crows often visit gardens, though they don’t tend to use nestboxes, as they are too large. Keep cats inside at dawn and dusk, when birds are likely feeding (and avoid wooden birdfeeders, that cats can claw up).
- Report broken street lights at Fix My Street and ask your council to install wildlife-friendly lighting). This stops birds waking up at midnight, due to light pollution (affects feeding and breeding).
- Never give garden birds stale, mouldy or crusty bread (can choke) nor buttered bread (fat smears on feathers, affecting weatherproofing and insulation). Also don’t feed nuts to baby birds (buy proper feeders from garden centres with knowledge). Creating natural habitats is best (read our post on pet-friendly gardens).
- Never use bright or tin bird houses (overheat and attract predators)
- Turn off indoor lights when not in use, and don’t face foliage to face gardens. Read more on how to stop birds flying into windows.
Carrion Crows are big heavy birds with blunt black beaks, usually found alone or in pairs. Like most crows, they live on seeds, fruits, eggs, young birds and carrion (carcasses).
Hooded Crows look similar to carrion crows, but have grey backs. They are only really found in Scotland and Ireland.
Rooks are also big heavy crows, but they have purple feathers and pale grey longer beaks, with ruffled ‘baggy shorts’. They are more social and likely to be found nesting in mature trees in the countryside. They have good memories, often returning to food they have stored earlier on.
Ravens are less common. They are bigger than other crows with metallic feathers and wedge-shaped tails. They are very playful, often flying upside-down for fun. Young ravens drop sticks mid-air, to fly and catch them.
These are the birds at the Tower of London. They have their wings clipped to stop them flying off, though the tower claims this is to keep them safe and well-fed, as they have never lived in the wild.
Jackdaws are rare smaller crows with short beaks, grey ‘hoods’ behind their head and pale blue-grey eyes (young birds have darker eyes). They often nest on rooftops and chimneys with noisy chicks. They can also often be found nesting in churches, trees and on cliff ledges.
Jackdaws are often seen swaggering about, as if they’re carrying a couple of radiators.
You can be walking along and a jackdaw will look you right in the eye, like he’s reading your mind and make you feel slightly unsettled before flying off. Matt Sewell
Magpies actually have some purple feathers (they are not just black-and-white). These small birds look bigger, due to their very long tails.
Known for their rattling calls, it’s not true that magpies like shiny jewellery (they are more likely to steal your sandwich!)
Another myth is the ‘one for sorrow, two for joy’ belief. This comes from an ancient nursery rhyme, and has no meaning. In China to see one magpie is good luck!
Choughs are unique crows that are easy to spot as they have red beaks and legs. Previously endangered, these birds are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts, and can also be found in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Choughs use their long bills to eat beetle larvae and leatherjackets. They have a loud ‘chee-ow’ song, and are mostly found on cliff faces and rock ledges, but also nest in empty buildings.
Keep at least 50 metres away from coastal birds (if they fly away, this wastes energy that could be spent feeding).
Beautiful Blue Jays (shy woodland birds)
Jays are one of England’s most exotic looking birds, simply because amid their brown bodies, they have beautiful bright blue patches, almost unique in bird world – along with black moustaches!
The blue colour though is not due to pigment in the feathers (they are brown), it’s from light scattering (a bit like polar bears have translucent, not white fur).
Read how to create safe havens for garden birds (jays are more likely to visit woodland) and how to stop birds flying into windows.
Jays are one of England’s eight species of crow birds. These are woodland birds, ‘noisy chatterboxes’ that you may hear screeching in the park, but are unlikely to see, as they often hide away.
What’s important (and quite funny) about jays, is that they are very forgetful. So they hunt for acorns, then store them away, often forget where they put some of them, so are almost single-handedly responsible for many of England’s beautiful oak trees that grow from their forgotten stash!
Oak trees (and acorns) are unsafe near pets, horse and livestock, so keep them well away.
Jays also eat other foods, including fruits, beetles and caterpillars (which is why we need to protect natural habitats for butterflies). They are also good at mimicking the calls of other birds, to deter predators.
All UK crows are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Report concerns to Crimestoppers Wildlife Crime (anonymous).
Jays are brown birds, with beautiful blue patches and ‘black moustaches’. Mostly found in woodland, you are more likely to hear these noisy chatterboxes in the park, giving out loud screeches as they search for acorns, fruits, beetles and caterpillars.
They will be hiding under their ‘black moustaches’ as they fly between trees.
Ecological writer Satish Kumar once wrote that in order to love nature, you have to know her. So in that vain, here are some wonderful books to instil a passion for our feathered friends, for young readers.
Before the recent uprising in Syria, the writer Michel Kilo shared a story of a 5-year old child that he had met in prison. Living with his mother in a cell with no window, he did not know what a bird was, as he had never seen the sky.
The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest takes a lyrical journey on the wings of beautiful blue jay birds, as they bury thousands of acorns for next season’s food, and help Mother Nature extend the oak forests.
Jays play a huge rule in expanding forests. This book covers one full year, as children learn how they feed on bugs, berries and seeds. But as autumn approaches, they perch in the canopy, waiting for acorns to ripen.
What Makes Crows Intelligent?
With the biggest brain-to-body ratio of any bird, crows are one of just four species (along with humans, chimpanzees, orangutans) that can make tools. They have been known to craft ‘hooks’ from twigs, to fish out creatures from tree crevices.
They also have been seen dropping stones to raise the level of water (so food floats closer). And dropping nuts onto roads, waiting for cars to run over them, then flying down to retrieve their dinner!
Crows are (mostly) sociable birds, that often ‘teach skills’ to other birds. They also watch and learn.
Say if one crow learns how to access food from a new source, the other birds will do the same. Crows can also warn each other of threats, and recognise different faces.
Although mostly solitary, crows are even known to hold ‘funerals’ for dead birds. They peck dead birds, ward away predators trying to eat the corpse, and even make cawing noises (like a hymn).
Got Crows Nesting In Your Chimney?
Signs of crows nesting in chimneys are twigs, grass, leaves and hair falling into fire grates (use gloves to remove bird droppings).
- If birds are already nesting, you must legally leave them until they’ve flown the nest, so don’t light fires.
- For stuck birds, RSPB says to shine a bright torch up the chimney at night, then birds will fly towards ‘daylight’ (catch them in a sheet, to safely release outside).
- To prevent birds nesting in chimneys, be sure they have flown the nest (likely winter, though pigeons can nest year-round).
- Then have a sweep clean your chimney, and fit a chimney cowl or chimney pot (install correctly, so oxygen can circulate).
- For gas fires, you’ll need a qualified fitter to move your fireplace away from the chimney opening, to conduct any work.
How to Help Orphaned or Injured Crows
If you find a chick, observe for up to an hour (likely parents are watching and feeding). If they don’t return, place in a high tree and observe.
If the bird is injured, the parents don’t return or the bird has few/no feathers (or is too young to stay in the tree), call your local wildlife rescue.
Learn About Super-Brainy Birds!
How to Know a Crow is an illustrated guide to one of the brainiest creatures on earth. From the moment baby crow Oki pokes her egg tooth through the shell and merges into the nest, we follow her through life.
Crows are all around us – shouting from lamp posts, poking around on lawns, and generally taking a bright-eyed interest in everything that moves!
How to Prevent Birds Nesting in Chimneys
Birds often choose chimneys as warm sheltered spaces to nest, safe from bad weather and predators. But nests can be dangerous for birds, as they can be a fire hazard, and nests can also block air flow to homes. Some birds are harmed if they fall from chimneys, and baby birds can fall from nests or get thrown out accidentally by parent birds, sometimes not near trees to relocate near the parents.
Don’t install insulation until you’re sure birds have moved on. For gas fires, you’ll need a qualified fitter to move your fireplace away from the chimney opening, to conduct any work.
It’s illegal to light fires if you know crows are nesting. Use a qualified sweep at summer’s end.
Signs of Birds Nesting in Chimneys
Birds leave plenty of hints when they take up residence inside chimneys.
- Droppings around the chimney base or inside the fireplace are a clear indicator. These can look like dark stains or dried splatters on your hearth or chimney bricks.
- Twigs, leaves, and feathers piled near the opening or tucked just inside the chimney cap. Or twigs, grass, leaves and hair falling into fire grates. Use gloves, if removing bird droppings.
- Chirping, fluttering or scratching sounds at dawn or dusk, often means nests are active. Sometimes you can see visible entry holes where birds are going in and out.
If you suspect birds but can’t see much, try shining a torch down the chimney while using a mirror angled towards the sides. This can help you spot nests in low light or hard to reach areas, without disturbing the birds too much.
Common Chimney Nesters
Certain birds prefer chimneys more than others because of the shelter and warmth they offer. Knowing which species you’re dealing with can help you understand their habits and how to handle the situation.
- Crows build large, messy nests with sturdy twigs, often early spring. They’re loud and easy to spot, but rarely nest deep inside chimneys.
- Owls favour chimneys in late winter and early spring. Their nests are lined with feathers, and much quieter.
- Swifts (that benefit from swift boxes and swift bricks) and starlings are smaller birds that like to squeeze into tight chimney gaps. Their nests tend to be smaller but can pile up quickly, often active through spring and summer. Starlings especially can be noisy and aggressive when nesting.
Best Times to Inspect
Birds are most active and noisy in the early morning or at dusk. Inspecting your chimney during these times improves your chances of spotting signs without disturbing them during the middle of the day.
After the first frost, birds often leave their nests for good, making this an ideal moment for a thorough inspection. Checking after cold weather also helps as any debris left behind is easier to spot and clear out, reducing the risk of blockage or fire hazards before you light a fire.
Using Chimney Cowls and Caps
Chimney cowls & caps can help prevent smoke blowing back into homes. Install correctly so oxygen can circulate. These covers act like a door, to let smoke out but keeps birds out.
Make sure your cowl fits well on your chimney top. A loose cowl could let birds slip in, or get damaged by wind. Check regularly for rust, damage or blockage from leaves. Cleaning yearly keeps it effective. Cowls also stop rain and reduce downdrafts.
Preventative Measures for Future Nesting
It’s nature for birds to make nests, so deterrence is more to keep them safe from falling and fires, and houses safe from fire risks. To deter crows from gardens (say if you have cats), keep food and rubbish sealed, and keep feline friends indoors at dawn and dusk.
Seal gaps and vent openings
Birds can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so check your chimney thoroughly for holes or openings beyond the main flue. Use steel wool to stuff small cracks; it’s flexible and hard for birds to pull apart. For larger spaces or cracks, apply a good-quality chimney sealant to block potential entrances.
Don’t forget to inspect roof flashing around your chimney base. Poorly fitted or damaged flashing can create gaps that birds spot easily. Fixing these tight spots also helps with waterproofing your roof.
A quick look over your chimney twice a year can save a lot of trouble later. Aim for one check in early spring, just before nesting season, and another in late autumn after birds leave. Any fresh gaps opening up, need seals. A short walk around or a visual scan with binoculars can help, if a full inspection is not safe or practical.
Post-Nest Cleaning Checklist
Once the birds have left your chimney, it’s important to act carefully and clean up properly. Leaving behind nests and debris can block airflow or even cause hazards like fires or mould. What’s more, chimneys often hold more grime and soot than we imagine, so a good clean and check-up make all the difference.
Before you start any cleaning, make sure the birds have definitely flown the coop for good. Once you’re sure the chimney is empty, here’s what to focus on:
- Remove debris: Pull out all twigs, feathers, leaves, and nesting material. These can block airflow.
- Clean the soot: Use a stiff brush or chimney broom to scrub away soot and creosote build-up (now illegal to buy) inside the flue.
- Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, loose bricks, or signs of wear. Bird nests sometimes trap moisture that can cause damage.
- Disinfect surfaces: Use a mild bird-safe disinfectant spray on the chimney opening and hearth to prevent germs or parasites left by birds. Rinse thoroughly to remove traces. And leave to dry.
Help Stray or Orphaned Nesting Birds
- Locate the nest: Look around carefully for the nest. Many times, a chick has simply fallen out but isn’t abandoned. The parents are nearby, while it is learning to fly. If you find the nest intact nearby, gently place the chick back inside.
- Assess if the chick is abandoned: Observe quietly from a distance for at least an hour without approaching. Parents often leave the nest briefly to find food. If no sign of a parent returns, intervention may be needed.
- Observe lone baby crows or ravens up to an hour, as parents are likely still nearby and feeding chicks. If not, place in a high tree, and observe. If the bird is injured or parents don’t return (or if the bird has few/no feathers so is too young to stay in tree), call local wildlife rescue.
- Keep the chick warm: If you need to take temporary care, place the chick in a small box lined with soft cloth. Keep it in a warm, quiet spot away from pets, children, and noise.
- Avoid feeding or giving water: Baby birds have very specific diets, and incorrect food or water can cause harm. Do not try to feed or hydrate the chick yourself.
- Some birds need professional help, especially if they’re injured, sick, or very young without a nest. Wildlife rehabilitation centres have the training and resources to care for birds properly.
- Limit handling: Handling stresses young birds. Keep contact brief and only if necessary to move the bird to safety.
Avoid Disturbing Active Nests
Birds nesting on your property are often protected by law, especially during the breeding and nesting season. Interfering with nests can disturb the eggs or chicks, causing stress or abandonment by the parents.
- Wait until fledging: Avoid work or maintenance around the chimney or nesting spots until the young birds have left the nest.
- Recognise legal protection: Disturbing active nests is illegal.
- Plan preventative work for off-season: Schedule chimney bird-proofing, cleaning, or repairs outside nesting months, usually late autumn or winter.
