The Common Raven is a large, all
black bird similar to the Common Crow. Though it is much larger
and much heavier than a crow, this difference may be difficult to
discern from a distance. The raven's longer wings and long,
wedge-shaped or rounded tail further distinguish it from the crow,
which has a shorter, more squared tail.
The bill of the Common
Raven is huge, very deep at the base, and relatively much larger that
the
crow's. The Raven's neck feathers are pointed, giving it a
distinctively shaggy appearance. Common Ravens are amazing aerial
acrobats, soaring, tumbling, rolling, and even chasing hawks and
eagles. Theses birds are omnivorous, and
seem to be especially fond of carrion; they are often seen over
and along highways searching for and feeding on road kills. This
species is found in a wide variety of habitats, including rocky
seacoasts, steep canyons, dense boreal forests, foothills,
mountains (even at altitudes above timberline), deserts, and
Arctic tundra. Common Ravens are usually seen singly, in pairs, or
in small groups. It is considered to be the most intelligent bird
in the world.Description21 1/2-27" (54.5-68.5cm).
This is a large black bird with a glossy, metallic sheen to its
plumage. It is stocky and rounded, with a thick neck, a large
head, and a large, very deep black bill. The legs are thick,
stocky, and black. The throat feathers are long and pointed,
creating shaggy appearance. In flight, the wings appear long,
broad, and rounded at the tip rather than pointed; the large, wide
tail is long and wedge-shaped or rounded. VoiceVariable,
including very hoarse, low-pitched, croaking notes: crock, quak, quork. Similar
Species See Chihuahuan Raven. Common Crow
much smaller, with relatively smaller bill, shorter, squared tail,
and very different call; flies on rather continuous, relatively
faster, rolling wingbeats. RangeIn New World, from Arctic
Alaska across Canada to Greenland, south through western United States
and Mexico to Nicaragua; in eastern
United States, found in Maine, western Great Lakes region,
Adirondacks, and Appalachians. Also throughout Old
Wotid and Southern Hemisphere.
Marshall
Cultural Atlas
