Hello there! We often see crows at the usual street corners, but did you know that there are actually two different types of crows among them? Today, I’d like to talk about the differences and charms of the Jungle Crow and the Carrion Crow.
First, let’s look at their habitats. The Jungle Crow prefers wooded areas with three-dimensional structures and is often seen in urban areas and residential neighborhoods. On the other hand, the Carrion Crow has a penchant for flat areas and is commonly spotted along riverbeds and agricultural lands. Even in the city, there are differences in where they like to live.
Next are their physical characteristics. The Jungle Crow is about 57cm long and has a thick, curved beak. It’s also characterized by a rounded, bulging forehead. The Carrion Crow is slightly smaller, around 50cm in length, with a thin beak and a flat forehead. Remembering these features will help you easily distinguish the type of crow you see on the street corner.
Their calls are another distinguishing feature. The Jungle Crow has a clear “kaa-kaa” call, while the Carrion Crow’s call is a more guttural “gaa-gaa”. Pay attention to these differences as well.
Even their diets have subtle differences. The Jungle Crow prefers more animal-based foods and is often seen foraging for leftovers in urban areas. The Carrion Crow, on the other hand, tends to prefer plant-based foods, searching for food on the ground and often eating it on the spot.
Lastly, some crows are migratory birds that come to Japan. You can see species like the Rook and the Nutcracker flying in the Japanese skies in winter.
Both the Jungle Crow and the Carrion Crow are birds that live around us. With a little observation, you can learn to spot the differences. Try it out, and it might be the first step in enjoying the small wonders of nature!
