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Rook

The rook, Corvus frugilegus, is a social mastermind with glossy black feathers and a pale bill base. Found in vast colonies across Europe and Asia, it deftly navigates both countryside and urban landscapes, playing a key role in pest control and showcasing its clever problem-solving abilities.

15 years
Lifespan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Distribution Range of the Rook
The Rook (Corvus frugilegus) is native to the Palearctic region, which includes much of Europe and extends into parts of Asia. Its distribution ranges from the British Isles in the west across Europe and into Eastern Siberia, South Asia, and parts of Northern Iran.
Rook's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Rooks typically inhabit open farmland and agricultural areas, often near human settlements. They prefer temperate climates with mild winters and are commonly found in lowland regions with access to fields, pastures, and small woods.
Ecological Niche
As an omnivorous bird, the Rook's ecological niche involves foraging in open fields for invertebrates, seeds, and crops. They are known to assist in soil aeration and pest control as they forage, playing a role in the agricultural ecosystem. Rooks often nest in large colonies, usually high in trees, known as rookeries, which may contribute to seed dispersal and forest ecology through their feeding habits.