Collared Crow vs Hooded Crow

Collared Crow

Corvus torquatus

Also known as: Ring-Necked Crow, White-Collared Crow

How to recognise a collared crow?

General appearance

The Collared Crow is a large bird with a body length of about 50cm. Its body is predominantly black with striking white plumage found on its neck (forming a 'collar'), chest, and abdomen regions. It also displays a white wing bar that is visible when the wings are folded. This crow exhibits a sleek black beak, robust legs and a relatively flat head.

Male vs female

Both male and female Collared Crows look alike, exhibiting similar black and white coloration and sizes. They are monomorphic which means there is no visible distinction between males and females. Males might be slightly larger than females, but this difference is barely noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile Collared Crows have coloration similar to that of adults, although their colors may be slightly duller, especially the white part. The plumage becomes brighter and sleek as they grow into adults. Another noticeable feature in juveniles is a less defined 'collar' and the beak may be slightly lighter in color.

Size

19.7 - 21.7 in/12.2 - 18.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Collared Crow is native to East Asia, primarily found in China and Vietnam. It prefers warm, subtropical climates.

Additional range

While they typically inhabit farmland and open woodland, these crows can also be found in urban environments and coastal regions.

Range Map

What do collared crows like to eat?

Natural diet

The collared crow primarily feeds on insects, small mammals, and various invertebrates found in its natural habitat. It also consumes seeds, fruits, and agricultural crops, making it an opportunistic feeder. Additionally, this bird is known to scavenge, taking advantage of carrion and human food waste when available.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the collared crow often consumes a variety of seeds and nuts. It is particularly attracted to sunflower seeds and peanuts. Occasionally, it may consume suet and other high-energy foods intended for smaller bird species. The crow's adaptability allows it to thrive in areas where bird feeders are common.

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Hooded Crow

Corvus cornix

Also known as: Hoodie, Scotch Crow, Danish Crow, Gray Crow

How to recognise a hooded crow?

General appearance

Meet the hooded crow! A dazzling avian species with an absolutely enchanting appearance. Recognizable by a dark grey body contrasted with a glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail. The hooded crow flaunts a gorgeous plumage that shines in varying hues under the sunlight. They're medium-sized birds, standing tall at around 48cm with a wingspan up to 100cm - impossible to miss in the wild!

Male vs female

Moving on to the tricky task of distinguishing between males and females- it's quite a challenge! You see, there are no visual differences between the sexes! Both male and female hooded crows exhibit the same majestic blend of grey and black plumage. In fact, the only surefire way to tell them apart is during the breeding season when only females will be seen incubating eggs.

Juvenile

Onto the adorable juveniles, which start out with a rather duller color palette. Their plumage lacks the striking glossy finish of the adults, appearing more sooty black than glossy. Juveniles also host blue eyes instead of the brown seen in adults. But don't fret, with time, they grow into their stunning adult colors and truly become a sight to behold!

Size

18.9 - 21.3 in/14.0 - 21.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Hooded Crow mainly inhabits northern and eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East. It prefers open and agricultural areas, and thrives in coastal regions.

Additional range

Although unusual, Hooded Crows can also be found in urban areas, adapting to live in parks and gardens.

Range Map

What do hooded crows like to eat?

Natural diet

The hooded crow is an omnivorous bird with a diverse diet. In its natural habitat, it feeds on small mammals, eggs, and chicks of birds, as well as various invertebrates like insects and worms. Additionally, it consumes fruits, seeds, and grains. Scavenging is another crucial part of its diet, often feeding on carrion and discarded food waste.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, hooded crows are adaptable and will often consume a variety of offerings. They are attracted to suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Occasionally, they may consume bread scraps and other household leftovers made available by people. Their opportunistic nature allows them to exploit these anthropogenic food sources effectively.

What does a hooded crow sound like?

The hooded crow is known for its range of vocalizations, including caws, coos, and rattles. It primarily uses two distinct calls: the familiar “kraa” sound with various pitches and rhythms, typically used in territorial displays or to alert others, and a quieter “knocking” sound for close interactions. These birds do not have a melodious song, but rather a series of calls exchanged in a cawing dialogue. Other sounds include harsh screeches and mimicry of other bird species. Their vocal complexity is said to reflect their high level of intelligence.

Call

Audio by Dimitǎr Boevski

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Collared Crow

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Hooded Crow

Collared Crow

Corvus torquatus

Also known as: Ring-Necked Crow, White-Collared Crow

General appearance

The Collared Crow is a large bird with a body length of about 50cm. Its body is predominantly black with striking white plumage found on its neck (forming a 'collar'), chest, and abdomen regions. It also displays a white wing bar that is visible when the wings are folded. This crow exhibits a sleek black beak, robust legs and a relatively flat head.

Male vs female

Both male and female Collared Crows look alike, exhibiting similar black and white coloration and sizes. They are monomorphic which means there is no visible distinction between males and females. Males might be slightly larger than females, but this difference is barely noticeable.

Juvenile

Juvenile Collared Crows have coloration similar to that of adults, although their colors may be slightly duller, especially the white part. The plumage becomes brighter and sleek as they grow into adults. Another noticeable feature in juveniles is a less defined 'collar' and the beak may be slightly lighter in color.

Size

19.7 - 21.7 in/12.2 - 18.1 oz

There's more to learn about Collared Crow

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Hooded Crow

Corvus cornix

Also known as: Hoodie, Scotch Crow, Danish Crow, Gray Crow

General appearance

Meet the hooded crow! A dazzling avian species with an absolutely enchanting appearance. Recognizable by a dark grey body contrasted with a glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail. The hooded crow flaunts a gorgeous plumage that shines in varying hues under the sunlight. They're medium-sized birds, standing tall at around 48cm with a wingspan up to 100cm - impossible to miss in the wild!

Male vs female

Moving on to the tricky task of distinguishing between males and females- it's quite a challenge! You see, there are no visual differences between the sexes! Both male and female hooded crows exhibit the same majestic blend of grey and black plumage. In fact, the only surefire way to tell them apart is during the breeding season when only females will be seen incubating eggs.

Juvenile

Onto the adorable juveniles, which start out with a rather duller color palette. Their plumage lacks the striking glossy finish of the adults, appearing more sooty black than glossy. Juveniles also host blue eyes instead of the brown seen in adults. But don't fret, with time, they grow into their stunning adult colors and truly become a sight to behold!

Size

18.9 - 21.3 in/14.0 - 21.2 oz

There's more to learn about Hooded Crow

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How to tell the Collared Crow from the Hooded Crow

Visual differences

The Collared Crow measures 19.7-21.7 inches with predominantly black plumage and a distinctive white 'collar', chest, and abdomen, plus a white wing bar. The Hooded Crow is slightly smaller at 18.9 inches, showcasing a dark grey body with glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail. The Collared Crow has a sleek black beak, while the Hooded Crow's plumage reflects varying hues in sunlight. Both are monomorphic with juveniles having duller colors. The Collared Crow's white collar is key in differentiating them from the Hooded Crow's grey and black contrast.

Key differences and behavior

Collared and Hooded Crows exhibit distinct behavioral traits and preferences. Collared Crows, found in East Asia, favor warm subtropical climates, solitary nesting, and all-year pair bonding. Their diet is opportunistic, relying on insects and crops, with a willingness to scavenge. In contrast, Hooded Crows, residing across northern Europe and the Middle East, thrive in open agricultural and coastal areas. Known for their resourcefulness, they drop mollusks to crack them open and have a penchant for scavenging and caching food. Both species demonstrate elaborate courtship but differ slightly in nesting habits: Collared Crows prefer isolated tall trees, while Hooded Crows may use trees, cliffs, or structures. Their diets overlap, though Hooded Crows also prey on bird eggs and chicks. Both species adapt well to urban areas and share food versatility.