UK Wildlife

Jackdaw Social Behaviour and Nesting Welfare

Jackdaws are highly social, intelligent corvids that nest colonially in tree cavities, cliff faces, and chimneys, forming long-term pair bonds and complex social hierarchies.

Key Facts

Jackdaws form lifelong pair bonds and both sexes show strong mate fidelity
They nest colonially, often in large groups in church towers and old buildings
UK population around 1.4 million breeding pairs, stable and widespread
Highly intelligent with the ability to follow human gaze cues
Omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, seeds, berries and carrion

Welfare Considerations

Jackdaws nesting in chimneys or old buildings sometimes come into conflict with humans. Nest removal before breeding season is legal, but during season the nest is protected. Chimney guards installed outside the breeding season prevent entry humanely.

What You Can Do

Install chimney guards before jackdaw breeding season to prevent conflict
Provide jackdaw nest boxes in gardens or on buildings as alternatives
Support organisations that advise on humane resolution of nesting conflicts