Crop selection, feeding skills and risks taken by adult and juvenile Rooks Corvus frugilegus

During July and August, adult Rooks Corvus frugilegus predominantly foraged on pastures while most juveniles fed on storm-flattened barley. The rate at which barley grains were consumed by both adults and juveniles increased from early July to late July and August. Adult birds consumed barley at a faster rate than juveniles in early July, but there was no difference in the rate at which barley was consumed by adults and juveniles later in the season. No differences in feeding rates could be detected between adults and juveniles that foraged on pasture. Adult Rooks were more vigilant than juveniles when feeding in barley fields.