Species Profile
Common Raven
Corvus corax
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
54–67 cm
Weight
689–1625 g
Wingspan
115–150 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Northern Raven
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Appearance
The Common Raven is a large, all-black bird with a thick neck, shaggy throat feathers, and a heavy, curved bill. Its long, wedge-shaped tail and broad, fingered wing tips are distinctive in flight.
Both sexes look alike, with adults displaying a glossy sheen to their plumage. Juveniles are similar but lack a glossy appearance and have duller plumage with brownish tinges.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Markings
Shiny, slightly iridescent
Tail: Wedge-shaped
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Common Ravens inhabit many habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, including forests, mountains, coastal areas, and tundra. They are highly adaptable and can also thrive in urban environments.
In North America, they are found throughout Canada, Alaska, and the western United States. In Europe, they occur across Scandinavia, the UK, and mountainous regions. Their range extends into parts of North Africa and Central Asia.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Scotland
Cornwall
Rutland
Cheshire
Derbyshire
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Merseyside
Leicestershire
Manchester
Nottinghamshire
Isle of Wight
Shropshire
Somerset
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
United States
Lancashire
Kent
Staffordshire
Northamptonshire
Dorset
Devon
Oxfordshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Gloucestershire
Cumbria
Hertfordshire
Northern Ireland
Bedfordshire
England
Montana
Idaho
Wales
Nevada
United Kingdom
Maryland
Massachusetts
Maine
Michigan
New Jersey
West Midlands
New Mexico
Bristol
Minnesota
Alaska
Arizona
California
Connecticut
Colorado
New Hampshire
New York
Oregon
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Canada
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Yukon Territory
Saskatchewan
Diet
Common Ravens are opportunistic omnivores with a diverse diet. They feed on carrion, small animals, insects, grains, fruits, and human food scraps. Their intelligence allows them to access various food sources, including cracking open nuts and shellfish by dropping them from heights.
Behaviour
Common Ravens are highly intelligent and social birds. They often engage in aerial acrobatics, performing rolls and somersaults in flight.
Ravens are known for their problem-solving abilities, using tools and exhibiting complex social behaviors, including cooperative hunting and food sharing.
Calls & Sounds
Nesting & Breeding
Common Ravens form long-term pair bonds and breed once a year, typically in late winter or early spring. Courtship involves aerial displays and mutual preening.
Nests are large structures of sticks, often placed on cliff ledges or in tall trees. Females lay 3-7 eggs, which are greenish with brown markings. Both parents contribute to nest building.
Incubation lasts about 20-25 days, primarily by the female. Nestlings fledge after 5-6 weeks but may remain with their parents for several months afterwards.
Conservation
Population
Estimated: Over 16,000,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Increasing[2]
Population stable or increasing in most areas
Elevation
Sea level to 5,000 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- 4.5 cm x 3 cm
- Predators:
- Adult ravens have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to large birds of prey, such as eagles and owls, as well as climbing mammals like raccoons and martens.
- Alarm calls:
- High-pitched shrieking
- Breeding age:
- 3
- Maturity age:
- 3
- Feeding times:
- Throughout the day
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, poisoning, persecution
- Parental care:
- Both parents care for young, with females doing most of the incubating
- Primary calls:
- Variety of croaks, grunts, groans, and screams
- Social habits:
- Often seen in pairs or family groups
- Egg appearance:
- Greenish or bluish, spotted with brown
- Feeding habits:
- Omnivorous, eats a wide range of animal and plant food
- Breeding season:
- February to June
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with location and season
- Fledging period:
- 35-42 days
- Average lifespan:
- 13
- Call description:
- Deep, resonant croaking or gronk-gronk
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, roosts in trees or cliffs at night
- Nesting location:
- Treetops, cliffs, and occasionally buildings
- Number of broods:
- 1 brood
- Incubation period:
- 18-21 days
- Nest construction:
- Large structure of sticks, lined with softer materials
- Migration patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migratory, but young birds disperse from birthplace
- Age related changes:
- Young birds lighter and duller
- Prey capture method:
- Foraging on the ground and in trees
- Conservation efforts:
- Legal protection in some areas
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends territory, particularly during breeding season
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often for life
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 3-7 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Often dominates other birds at food sources
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their large size and wedge-shaped tail in flight
- Listen for their distinctive deep, croaking call
- Observe their acrobatic flight patterns and playful behavior
- In North America, check high elevations and remote areas
- In the UK, visit coastal cliffs and upland areas
Did You Know?
- Ravens can mimic human speech and have been known to say words like 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
- They have demonstrated the ability to plan for the future, a trait previously thought unique to humans and great apes.
- In captivity, ravens have shown problem-solving skills on par with chimpanzees.
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