15/11/2012 at Jahra Pool Reserve

Update regarding taxonomy: Depending on the authority the dealing with taxonomy varies. In many sources Carrion Crow is Corvus corone and Hooded Crow is Corvus cornix. If we follow this definition then the race of Mesopotamian Crow is naturally Corvus cornix capellans and at the same time some authorities deal it as a full species Corvus capellans. I chose the most conservative way regarding Corvus corone as the only full species and both cornix and capellans as subspecies of it. Everyone is free to choose his/her favorite way.

I visited Jahra Pool Reserve early this morning in hope to see Mesopotamian Hooded Crow. Khaled Al Ghanem arrived at the same time and we started the search. We found other birds like Citrine and Grey Wagtail. At least 3 Long-tailed Ducks were still around. We saw 3 Wigeons. Mustached Warbler was singing and we heard Purple Swamp-hens and Penduline Tits calling. When I was driving second time around the reserve I spotted the crow and I started to photograph it. So the visit really paid off. Thanks to Khaled for finding this species over three weeks ago.

Mesopotamian Hooded Crow. In the flight shots is shown how pale grey, almost white, are back and underparts.