frugilegus

Frugilegus is the species epithet used in the scientific name Corvus frugilegus, the rook. The epithet is of Latin origin and is commonly translated as “fruit-eating” or “fruit-gathering,” reflecting historical observations of the bird’s diet and behavior.

Corvus frugilegus is a medium-sized passerine in the crow family, Corvidae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is common in woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas. Rooks often form large communal roosts in trees during autumn and winter and are noted for their social behavior and complex vocalizations within flocks.

Adults are mainly black with a bare, pale patch of skin around the base of the bill. They have a relatively long neck and legs, and their plumage can show a purple-brown gloss in good light. The bird’s facial skin and bill area help distinguish it from other members of the Corvus genus.

Behavior and diet: Rooks are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They forage on the ground for invertebrates, seeds, grains, and fruits, and will scavenge when opportunities arise. They are highly social, forming large flocks and nesting colonies in trees. The typical clutch consists of four to six eggs; incubation lasts about 14 to 18 days, and fledging occurs roughly 28 to 35 days after hatching.

Conservation and human interactions: The rook is widely distributed and not considered threatened. It is sometimes perceived as an agricultural pest due to crop damage, though it also contributes to insect control and other ecosystem services. In many regions it receives legal protection, and its IUCN status is Least Concern.