Common Raven
Corvus corax
Least Concern
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.
Corvus corax
Least Concern
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.
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
Dark Brown
Iridescent
Black
Black
Dark Brown
Long
Black
Grey
Black
Grey
Shiny, slightly iridescent
Less glossy than adults
Wedge-shaped
Less wedge-shaped
54cm to 67cm
Length
115cm to 150cm
Wingspan
689g to 1.625kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Common Raven perched on a post
Common Raven in flight
Common Raven eating
Common Raven at the Tower of London
Common Raven close up portrait
The nest and eggs of a Common Raven
Breeding pair of Common Ravens
Common Raven feeding chicks
Variety of croaks, grunts, groans, and screams
Deep, resonant croaking or gronk-gronk
High-pitched shrieking
Active during the day, roosts in trees or cliffs at night
Often seen in pairs or family groups
Defends territory, particularly during breeding season
Non-migratory
Often dominates other birds at food sources
Carrion, Small Mammals, Insects, Grains
Omnivorous, eats a wide range of animal and plant food
Throughout the day
Foraging on the ground and in trees
Diet varies with location and season
None known
Treetops, cliffs, and occasionally buildings
Large structure of sticks, lined with softer materials
February to June
1 brood
Greenish or bluish, spotted with brown
4.5 cm x 3 cm
3-7 eggs
18-21 days
35-42 days
Both parents care for young, with females doing most of the incubating
Northern Hemisphere from Arctic Circle to deserts of North Africa and Central America
Wide range of habitats including forests, tundra, deserts, parks, and agricultural areas
Sea level to mountainous regions (5,000m)
Non-migratory
Desert, Forest, Tundra
Polar, Temperate, Desert
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.