Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) belong to the family of corvids and are readily confused with other members of this family. But their beaks are longer and sharper, and their feather have a red shimmer. They are often considered as food competitors as they like to feed of freshly sowed semen. This caused strong persecution by hunters. However they are of a good use both for men and nature: They feed of other vermins too, such as slugs, bugs, or larva, and help this way keeping the natural balance. Due to protection the numbers of these birds could stabilize.

Rooks are especially sociable. They live in large colonies of up to a thousand birds, that sleep and nest together. They establish many social rituals, for example playing during flight by throwing objects from one to another. Furthermore they are very clever. Learns a crow something new, this behavior can be seen soon with other crows in the same colony. In captivity they prove to be able to use tools in order to solve complex tasks. They communicate with each other with up to 80 different noises, are able to imitate human speech and - found out newly - even use gestures!

Also our rook "Ilse" is very clever, social, loves rituals but as well being individual. Especially in child-like play hardly any limits are given, just like children do.

Size: 29 cm (~ 11.5")
Colour: Black
Filling: Special polyester fibres
Manufacturer: Kösener Spielzeug Manufaktur, Germany

The proceeds of this sale will be donated to a children's charity organisation.