ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

 PRODUCTS

Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

Description

Large, black, crow-like bird distinguishable (from the crow) by the fact that it generally lives in flocks rather than alone. Also distinguishable by its bare, greyish face and thinner bill.

Habitat

Mainly on lowland farmland, but nesting in woods in large (noisy) rookeries. Not found in the far north and west of Scotland.

Uses

Mainly shot as an agricultural pest. In the past it was more common to eat rooks, taken from the nest just before they are fledged. Now only the odd enthusiast such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall does!

Hunting

There is no closed season.

Image provided by William Milliken/RBGE

Links

More on the rook