Northern Raven

The common raven (Corvus corax) is a large, all-black passerine bird, a member of the corvid family. It is one of the two largest corvids, alongside the thick-billed raven, and is possibly the heaviest passerine bird. The common raven is distinguished by its size, averaging 63 centimeters in length and 1.47 kilograms in mass at maturity. Its plumage is iridescent, displaying a blue or purple sheen in sunlight. The bird's bill is large and slightly curved, and its throat feathers are elongated and pointed. The common raven's lifespan in the wild can exceed 23 years, with a typical range of 10 to 15 years.

Identification Tips

The common raven can be identified by its large size, heavy black beak, and shaggy throat feathers. Its tail is wedge-shaped, and in flight, it exhibits a more stable soaring style with less wing flapping compared to crows. The bird's call is a deep, resonant croak, distinct from other corvids.

Habitat

Common ravens inhabit a variety of environments, from Arctic and temperate habitats to deserts and islands. They prefer contoured landscapes and are often found in mountainous or coastal regions, as well as in wooded areas with open land nearby.

Distribution

The common raven has the most extensive range of any corvid, found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is resident throughout its range, which includes North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Behaviour

Common ravens are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They travel in mated pairs or in flocks when young. These birds are territorial and demonstrate devotion to their families. They are also playful, engaging in aerial acrobatics and games with other species.

Song & Calls

The common raven's vocalizations are varied and complex, including alarm calls, chase calls, and flight calls. Its distinctive call is a deep "prruk-prruk-prruk." Ravens can mimic sounds, including human speech, and produce non-vocal sounds such as wing whistles and bill snapping.

Breeding

Common ravens mate for life and defend a territory where they build a large stick nest, usually in a tree or on a cliff ledge. Females lay 3 to 7 pale bluish-green eggs, and incubation lasts about 18 to 21 days. Both parents feed the young, which fledge at 35 to 42 days.

Similar Species

The common raven can be confused with the Chihuahuan raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) in North America, but the latter has a smaller bill and body. The all-black carrion crow (Corvus corone) in Europe may suggest a raven but is smaller with different wing and tail shapes.

Diet and Feeding

Ravens are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes carrion, insects, grains, berries, fruit, small animals, and food waste. They are known to store surplus food and have been observed raiding the food caches of other species.

Conservation Status

The common raven is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has coexisted with humans for thousands of years and is revered in many cultures as a spiritual figure or godlike creature. However, in some regions, their numbers have increased to the point where they are considered pests.