Expert: Roger Lederer - 2/25/2005

Question
Dear Roger

My Mum has had a Jackdaw with a broken wing living in her garden for some time. His wing seems to have mended but at a strange angle which means that he can no longer fly. He has now become quite tame and she feeds him regularly. So my first question is what foods are most preferred by Jackdaws? She has been feeding various scraps and peanuts. Also, a second jackdaw has recently started 'hanging around!' and they seem to be becomming friends. Can you tell us if there are any external clues on how to sex Jackdaws as I am sure it is upsetting to keep telling Jack (as he has been named) that his girlfriend has come to see him if in fact Jack is the female!!!

Answer
Jackdaws, like all members of the crow family, will eat just about anything. Dog and cat food would work well as well as the various scraps and peanuts you have been feeding him/her. Anything that has a bit of protein would be good. There is no reliable way to tell a male from a female Jackdaw, but I really don't think Jack will be embarassed as even females have girlfriends. Roger Lederer
For more information on wild birds, see www.ornithology.com