Raven birds

The most common species found in towns and villages are jackdaws and rooks.
Crows and magpies are also found in close proximity to humans and sometimes fall into the category of controlled birds.

Why are they pests?

Their faeces pollute public places, cars, residential and commercial buildings.
Very noisy and aggressive birds.
Harmful to garden goods.
They kill the chicks of other birds breeding in gardens.
Spread parasites and pathogens.

Which areas are relevant?

Public health
Land management and maintenance sector
Food industry
Logistics sector

What do they harm and who do they harm?

To humans and their pets by spreading pathogens and other pests
Faeces pose a risk to human health and property
The most serious damage is caused to agricultural products, especially seeds, nuts and cereal seedlings germinating in gardens
In the suburbs, they dig and distribute uncovered waste or waste placed in plastic bags and pollute the urban environment
Crows and rooks may feed on other birds’ juveniles, eggs, frogs, reptiles and small rodents.
Rooks cause a lot of trouble for people living near their sitting sites (pollution, noise) ⎯ create an uncomfortable environment

Key attributes

The most common species found in towns and villages are jackdaws and rooks.
Crows and magpies are also found in close proximity to humans and sometimes fall into the category of controlled birds.

Rooks. Common and widespread birds. Observable throughout the year. Some birds migrate.
Most favourite places to settle: suburban forests, parks and fields. They avoid larger forests. The most suitable places for rooks are leaf litter trees near water bodies, open pine forests and parks.
They breed in large colonies. Nest in tall trees with twigs; the inside of the nest is lined with dry grass and rubbish. Have one generation of offspring per year.
Studies show that rooks are able to eat around 600 different types of food: insects, earthworms, and grain, especially germinating seeds. They are omnivorous birds.
Crows and rooks are well adapted to urban conditions ⎯ they can feed on roadkill animals, food waste and other litter.
Pillars, lanterns and roofs of buildings serve as perching places from which they look for food sources.
Adults rooks in flocks with younger birds. They take care of the chicks and protect the territory.

Jackdaw. Abundant and ubiquitous. They are found all year round. Often seen in flocks with bullfrogs and crows. Not scared.
They are found in settlements, old gardens and parks, and woodlands.
Breed in roosts, shelters, chimneys and nesting boxes. The nest is made of twigs and straw; the inside is lined with bristles, pieces of paper and feathers. One litter per year. The chicks stay in the nest for about 4 weeks.
They feed on a variety of animal and plant foods.

PEST CONTROL involves the protection of human health, property and food resources from unwanted harmful organisms ⎯ pests.