Gould observed 'Those who have not seen vast assemblages of Rooks which occur during winter...can form but a slight conception of the sight - a sight which almost amounts to a phenomenom. It is one which may be observed in Richmond or Windsor Parks, but to a degree which is comparatively insignificant to that which may be seen in Cornwall at Tregothnan...'

The adult bird is depicted almost lifesize.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds Eurasia between about 63°N and 27°N. Some of the Northern populations winter south to within breeding range and into northern Africa, northern Arabia, Afghanistan, northern India, southern China and Taiwan