The rook — Bird of the Year 2025

About exhibition

Every year the Russian Bird Conservation Union selects the Bird of the Year. Last year the title belonged to the siskin, and in 2025 it has been awarded to the rook. These are fairly large birds of the corvid family, about the size of the grey crow and similar in appearance to a crow. Their distinguishing features are black plumage with iridescent blue and purple sheens, and a large bill with a white ring at its base. The Kirov City Zoological Museum has prepared an exhibition that will feature an adult and a juvenile bird as well as the closest relatives of this species. At the exhibition visitors will be able to learn about the rook's range, interesting facts, and its characteristics. It is scientifically proven that rooks possess a high level of cognition and mental abilities. These birds can distinguish colors and also have a well-developed visual memory.