The 'daw' part comes from the calls of other crows such as rooks that were written down as 'caw' or 'daw'. In fact, it is believed that the word 'crow' actually comes from the 'caw' sound of its call. So, slowly but surely, these small, charming crows became know as 'Jack the daw', and were eventually shortened over time to the name we know now, jackdaw. Jackdaws are the smallest of the 'black' crows found in Ireland. This black face highlights the distinctive white eye that gives jackdaws that cheeky, mischievous and intelligent look.
Young birds have dark eyes initially that become paler as they mature.
In flight, they show quite rounded wings and, when compared to rooks with which they often associate, they appear about one-third smaller. Their thick, pointed bill is dark, unlike the greyish, thinner bill of rooks. Jackdaws are a common sight throughout Ireland, and are found in cities, in towns, and in the countryside. Their adaptable lifestyle and the variety of food they eat means that they can be found in many habitats, from woodlands and farmlands to city back-gardens and rubbish dumps. Jackdaws are also found along the coast, feeding on the shoreline and nesting on seacliffs.