Subscribe to our newsletter

Common Raven

Corvus corax

A resident UK breeder, the common raven is the largest member of the crow family and one of the most widespread naturally occurring birds in the world. It is an impressive and highly intelligent bird.

Common Raven

Common Raven

Quick Facts

Classification

Scientific name:

Corvus corax

Family:

Crows

Conservation status:

Green

Measurements

Length:

60cm to 68cm

Wingspan:

120cm to 150cm

Weight:

800g to 1.5kg

What does a Common Raven look like?

Male and female common ravens are almost identical in appearance and plumage although the female is slightly smaller. The bird is a glossy black all over with a purplish, green or blue hue. They have elongated loose erectile throat feathers which are often raised, particularly by the male, during displays of dominance. The head is large and the bill a powerful, medium length, chunky black colour. Careful examination of the bill may reveal nasal bristles which can cover up to half of the upper ridge of the bill. The eyes are a dark brown colour with the legs and feet being black with grey soles.

Common Raven

What does a Common Raven sound like?

A wide range of calls and the ability to successfully mimic sounds renders interpretation of the call type extremely difficult. Often echoing and very loud, a low to medium pitch sharp sounding bark like ‘prruk – prruk’ often repeated is a common call.

Common Raven call

Andrew Harrop, XC471530. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/471530.

Common Raven in flight

Common Raven in flight

What does a Common Raven eat?

Often referred to as scavengers, picking flesh off carcasses, the common raven is also a skilful hunter but will eat almost anything. Predominantly small mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and even snails and worms but also berries, fruits and seeds. It will also scavenge on rubbish tips and shorelines.

Common Raven eating

Common Raven eating

Did you know?

There have been resident ravens at the Tower of London since the time of Charles ll (1630 – 1685) and possibly even before, although it was King Charles who ordered that the ravens at the Tower were to be protected. There are always at least six resident ravens, cared for by one of the Yeoman Warders who is known as the Ravenmaster. Legend has it that should the six ravens all leave the Tower, the Kingdom and the Tower will fall.

Common Raven at the Tower of London

Common Raven at the Tower of London

Where can I see Common Ravens?

Common ravens are equally at home flying over wild open and barren highlands, scavenging in urban and suburban areas, or soaring across upland moors, woods and farmland. They tend to avoid the east coast of the UK but can be found throughout Northern Ireland, most of Scotland and Wales and in the south west of England, Lake District and across the Pennines.

Signs and Spotting tips

Close up they are easily identifiable with their large glossy black body and thick and chunky arch shaped bill, but in flight they also display characteristics common to the species. When soaring above their long ‘wedged’ tails appear diamond shaped with their long black pointed wings clearly displaying prominent wing fingers in a similar fashion to a common bird of prey.

Common Raven close up

Common Raven close up

How does a Common Raven breed?

Large nests are constructed mainly high in treetops out of sticks, heather and grasses and commonly used again year after year with a little nest maintenance undertaken at the start of each breeding season. One brood consisting of 4 – 6 eggs is laid annually between February to May. Eggs are a pale bluish green in colour with brown spotting and are incubated by the female for eighteen to twenty one days. The young fledge between thirty five to forty two days and remain with their parents for a further six months.

The nest and eggs of a Common Raven

The nest and eggs of a Common Raven

Common raven breeding pair

Breeding pair of Common Ravens

Common raven feeding chicks

Common Raven feeding chicks

How long do Common Ravens live for?

The longest lifespan on record for a ringed specimen is over thirteen years although commonly it is expected that ravens will live for between ten to fifteen.

Enjoyed this content? Share it now

Learn more about the Common Raven

Similar birds to a Common Raven

Other birds in the Crows family

Get the best of Birdfact

Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.

Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.

Join our flock of 40k+ bird enthusiasts!

Follow Birdfact on your favorite social media channels for daily updates and fascinating facts.

© 2023 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.