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Hooded Crow


Hooded Crow
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1850 W: 109 N: 4274] (14183)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-02-22
Categories: Birds
Camera: Pentax K100D Super, Sigma 70-300 DG Macro, Digital ISO-400, Matin 58mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/1000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-06-13 3:48
Viewed: 749
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
In February I continued my round-the-world trip, heading to Egypt for a couple of weeks. At Luxor I went the famous Crocodile Island, a place where many bird species can be found. I only had a couple of hours there, but saw over 50 species, which I was happy with. One those new to me was the Hooded Crow.

The Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) is widely distributed across northern, eastern and southeastern Europe, the Middle East and Egypt. It is an ashy grey bird with black head, throat, wings, tail and thigh feathers, as well as a black bill, eyes and feet. Like other corvids it is an omnivorous and opportunistic forager and feeder. The flight is slow and heavy and usually straight. The length varies from 48 to 52 cm (19-20 in).

It is so similar in morphology and habits to the Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) that for many years they were considered by most authorities to be merely geographical races of one species. The fact that hybridization was observed where their ranges overlapped added weight to this view. However, since 2002, the Hooded Crow has been elevated to full species status after closer observation; the hybridisation was less than expected and hybrids had decreased vigour. Within the Hooded Crow species itself, four subspecies are recognized, with one, the Mesopotamian Crow, possibly distinct enough to warrant species status itself. The bird illustrated here belongs to the subspecies (C. c. pallescens) and is found in Turkey and Egypt. It is a paler form as its name suggests.

Reference: (Hooded Crow in Wikipedia)
Argus, boreocypriensis, uleko, albert has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3831 W: 190 N: 11410] (35161)
  • [2009-06-13 3:54]

Hello Chris,
A fine portrait of a Hooded Crow that I find amusing as this looks as if it could easily have been taken here where I live instead of Egypt!
The technical quality is top class and the low POV great.
These are a real nuisance in our garden, taking the bird food and emptying the bird bath. So haven't had the inspiration to take picture of one yet!
Glad that you did it though,
Thanks,
Ivan

Hello Chris,
Good focus and depth of field; overall sharp Hooded crow.
A lot of details in these difficult blacks.
Well done
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2411 W: 94 N: 5569] (17712)
  • [2009-06-13 4:41]

Hello Chris,
Great photo of this Hooded Crow taken from a good low POV. Excellent sharpness, DOF and natural colours.
Have a good weekend,
Peter

Hi Chris,
It sounds like there are more birds in Egypt than here in NZ. You'll remember not seeing many on our travels.
This is a great shot of the Hooded Crow.
Cheers
Steve

Hi My dear friend Chris,
A finely captured hooded crow. i liked its posture here and its facial expression is very innocent:).
TFS this Egyptian beauty.
Have a nice WE!
Cheers,
Bayram

Hello Chris,
a splendid portrait of the Hooded Crow taken from an excellent POV, very good sharpness and very beautiful natural colours, you have captured a beautiful and typical posture of this bird.
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3002 W: 162 N: 991] (2901)
  • [2009-06-13 7:59]

Hello Chris,
A bird common here but I always enjoy watching it as its behaviour is so interesting. Strange to see it in a post from Egypt but it's obviously new to you! A fine capture with good focus on the eye and great sharpness. True colours and a fine composition too.
TFS and regards, Ulla

Ciao Chris, lovely bird in nice pose, wonderful details and excellent sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Helo Chris
Despite of the fact that I don't like this bird I have to admit that your photo is top class, well in focus
Well done
Albert

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