The Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), sometimes known as the Eurasian

The Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), sometimes known as the Eurasian Jackdaw, European Jackdaw or simply Jackdaw, is a passerine bird in the crow family. Found across Europe, western Asia and North Africa, it is mostly resident, although northern and Eastern populations migrate south in winter. Four subspecies are recognized, which mainly differ in the coloration of the plumage on the head and nape. Carl Linnaeus first classified the bird and described it formally, giving it the name Corvus monedula because of the bird’s supposed fondness for picking up coins (monedula is Latin for money). Later analysis of its DNA suggests that, with its closest relative, the Darian Jackdaw, it is an early offshoot from the genus Corvus, and possibly distinct enough to warrant reclassification in a separate genus, Coloeus. In fact, one authority, the International Ornithological Congress, has recently reassigned the two jackdaw species from the genus Corvus to the genus Coloeus.

Unlike many of its close relatives, the Western Jackdaw has a completely black-plumage with a grey nape and distinctive pale-grey irises. However, like those relatives, it is gregarious and vocal, living in small groups with a complex social structure in farmland, open woodland, on coastal cliffs, and in urban settings. An omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, it eats a wide variety of plant material and invertebrates, as well as food waste from urban areas. Western Jackdaws are monogamous (have only one mate at a time) and build simple nests of sticks in cavities in trees, cliffs, or buildings. About five pale blue or blue-green eggs with brown speckles are laid and incubated by the female. The young fledge (leave the nest) in four to five weeks, sooner than other jackdaws, and the average lifespan of the bird is approximately five years compared.

Q1: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the Darian Jackdaw?

(A) It is classified in the wrong genus
(B) It has a fondness for picking up coins
(C) It does not have black plumage
(D) It is found commonly in small groups
(E) It is a monogamous bird



Q2: According to the passage, a Western Jackdaw found in the southern Hemisphere during the winter months would most likely ______________

(A) live in the easternmost portion of the bird’s habitat
(B) have migrated from another location
(C) have plumage with an unusual coloration
(D) have a greater life expectancy than most jackdaws
(E) have traveled a great distance from it’s usual habitat



Q3: Which of the following can be properly inferred from the passage above?

(A) The Western Jackdaw eats more plant material and invertebrates than human food waste.
(B) The Western Jackdaw belongs to the genus Coloeus.
(C) The Western Jackdaw has only one mate throughout its lifespan.
(D) The Western Jackdaw is able to fly sooner than its close relatives.
(E) The Western Jackdaw is more social than its close relatives.



Q4: Which of the following can properly be inferred about Carl Linnaeus from the passage above?

(A) He was the first to discover the Western Jackdaw.
(B) He believed that the Western Jackdaw was fond of coins.
(C) His classification of the Western Jackdaw was wrong.
(D) His prior classifications do not always agree with current DNA data.
(E) He was a member of the International Ornithological Congress.