Hooded Crow or Large-Billed Crow?
Here's how to tell the difference
Hooded Crow
Large-Billed Crow
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
View full detailsLarge-Billed Crow
Corvus macrorhynchos
Also known as: Thick-Billed Crow
General appearance
The large-billed crow, as the name suggests, is notable for its relatively large beak. These crows are generally black, even though a gray or silver sheen may appear over the feathers in bright sunlight. Their eyes are often a stark contrast in a striking shade of white or pale blue.
Male vs female
Sexual dimorphism is less prominent in large-billed crows, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based on physical appearance alone. Both genders share similar coloration and size, although males tend to be slightly larger.
Juvenile
Juvenile large-billed crows resemble adults but tend to have lighter-colored eyes, usually a duller blue or gray. Additionally, juveniles may be identified by the comparatively smaller size of their beaks, which gradually increase as they age.
Size
18.1 - 23.2 in/15.9 - 35.3 oz
There's more to learn about Large-Billed Crow
View full detailsHow to tell the Hooded Crow from the Large-Billed Crow
Visual differences
The Hooded Crow is identifiable by its two-toned plumage: a dark gray body with a glossy black head, throat, wings, and tail. It measures about 19-21 inches in length. In contrast, the Large-Billed Crow is entirely black with a potentially gray or silver sheen, features a notably large beak, and ranges from 18-23 inches in length. While the Hooded Crow’s eyes are brown, Large-Billed Crows have striking white or pale blue eyes. Additionally, juvenile Hooded Crows start duller, while juvenile Large-Billed Crows have lighter eyes and a smaller beak.
Key differences and behavior
Hooded Crows and Large-Billed Crows display distinct behaviors that can aid in field identification. Hooded Crows are resourceful scavengers found in northern and eastern Europe, thriving in open and coastal areas. They are known for dropping shells to access food and are adept at stashing and even pilfering food. Large-Billed Crows, native to South and Southeast Asia, exhibit tool use and consume varied diets ranging from insects to carrion, illustrating their adaptability. In terms of breeding, both species engage in aerial courtship displays; however, the Hooded Crow generally builds nests in tall trees or cliffs, while the Large-Billed Crow prefers diverse environments, including urban gardens. Both birds are omnivorous, but the Hooded Crow has a more coastal diet, whereas the Large-Billed Crow shows greater dietary flexibility across tropical climates. Socially, both species are intelligent and opportunistic but differ slightly in regional presence and environmental preferences.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Hooded Crow vs Western Jackdaw
Hooded Crow vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare
Large-Billed Crow vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare