What does the Cape Crow eat?

The Cape Crow's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivorous, with a diet comprising insects (especially beetles, grasshoppers, termites), other invertebrates (spiders, snails), small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, rodents), bird eggs and nestlings, carrion, seeds, fruits, and cultivated grains. It is a highly opportunistic feeder.

How it forages

Primarily a ground feeder, walking with an elegant gait as it probes the soil with its long bill for invertebrates, particularly insect larvae. It also gleans insects from vegetation, catches flying insects, scavenges, and takes small prey. Will often follow ploughs to feed on exposed grubs. It can be seen 'hawking' for flying insects like a flycatcher.

When it feeds

Diurnal. Active primarily during daylight hours.

Explore the Cape Crow