Jack′daw, a common Old World bird of the crow family, found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is smaller than its closest relations, the crow, raven and rook, being about 14 inches in length. Its color is black, with gray at the sides of the neck, and it has a straighter bill than other crows. It builds nests in holes, cavities in rocks, church-towers, chimneys and uninhabited buildings. It feeds chiefly on insects. The jackdaw is easily tamed, and, besides making an interesting pet, can be taught to imitate the human voice.
