house crow (Corvus splendens)

 

The house crow, scientifically known as Corvus splendens, is a common bird species found in urban and suburban areas across South Asia and parts of the Middle East. 

Habitat and Diet

House crows are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of habitats, but they are most commonly found in urban and suburban areas. They have a remarkable ability to coexist with humans and can be seen in cities, towns, villages, and agricultural landscapes across their range.

They are omnivorous and consume a wide variety of food items, including:

Insects: House crows feed on a range of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants. They may forage for insects in grassy areas, on trees, or in garbage dumps.

Fruits: They are known to eat a variety of fruits, including berries, figs, mangoes, and bananas. They may scavenge fruits from trees, steal from orchards, or feed on discarded fruit in garbage bins.

Grains and Seeds: House crows often feed on grains such as rice, wheat, and maize. They may scavenge spilled grain from fields, granaries, or open-air markets.

Garbage and Carrion: These birds are notorious scavengers and readily feed on garbage, carrion, and food scraps. They are often seen foraging in trash dumps, streets, and open areas where human refuse is abundant.

Small Animals: House crows occasionally prey on small animals such as rodents, lizards, and even small birds. They are opportunistic hunters and may capture prey opportunistically.

Human Food: They are known to steal food from outdoor dining areas, picnic spots, and even homes if given the chance. Their boldness and scavenging behavior often bring them into close contact with humans.

Breeding of House Crow 

Pair Formation: House crows are monogamous birds, meaning they form long-term pair bonds. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring and summer months, pairs engage in courtship behaviors to establish and strengthen their bond. This may involve mutual preening, vocalizations, and ritualized displays.

Nest Building: Once a pair has formed, they begin building a nest. House crows are versatile nest builders and may construct their nests in various locations, including trees, buildings, and other structures. They use a variety of materials such as twigs, grass, leaves, and even human-made items like plastic and string.

Egg Laying: After the nest is constructed, the female lays a clutch of eggs, typically ranging from 3 to 6 eggs. The eggs are usually laid over several days, with one egg laid per day. The female may start incubating the eggs once the clutch is complete or after laying the penultimate egg to synchronize hatching.

Incubation: Both parents take turns incubating the eggs. The female primarily incubates the eggs at night, while the male takes over during the day. The incubation period lasts around 18 to 20 days, during which the parents maintain the eggs at a constant temperature by sitting on them.

Hatching: Once the incubation period is complete, the eggs hatch, usually within a day or two of each other. The chicks are initially helpless and rely on their parents for warmth and food.

Chick Rearing: Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks. They regurgitate food to feed the young, which initially consists of a soft, partially digested substance. As the chicks grow, their diet may include a variety of food items brought by the parents, including insects, small vertebrates, and scraps of human food.

Fledging: The chicks typically fledge, or leave the nest, after about 4 to 5 weeks. However, they may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks as they learn to forage and fend for themselves. During this time, the parents continue to provide food and protection for their offspring.

Post-Breeding Behavior: After the breeding season, house crows may join communal roosts with other individuals. These roosts provide safety in numbers and opportunities for social interaction outside of the breeding context.

The house crow (Corvus splendens) is native to the Indian subcontinent, which includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. It is a common and widely distributed bird species in this region, often found in urban and suburban areas where it has adapted well to human environments.