What is a "rook"?

A rook is a large, black passerine bird from the crow family. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with glossy black feathers and a prominent bill. Rooks are highly social birds and often gather in large flocks, creating communal roosts in trees. They are intelligent and resourceful, using their beaks to probe the ground for insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Rooks are also opportunistic feeders, and their diet can include grains, fruits, small mammals, and carrion. They build nests in tall trees, often in colonies known as "rookeries." Rooks are known for their harsh, cawing calls and are commonly found in agricultural areas, grasslands, and woodland habitats throughout Europe and parts of Asia.