This highly intelligent black bird, known for its deep, croaking call, thrives in diverse habitats across the Northern Hemisphere.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

54cm to 67cm

Wingspan

115cm to 150cm

Weight

689g to 1.625kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 5,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic, Arctic

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 70
Adaptability 95
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 80

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.

Vocalisation

Common Ravens have a diverse vocal repertoire, including deep, resonant croaks, knocking sounds, and a variety of calls. Their primary call is a deep, guttural 'kraaak' or 'gronk-gronk'. They can also mimic other birds and even human speech in captivity.

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 10 - 15 years
0
4
9
13
17

years

The Common Raven typically lives for 10 to 15 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]
While the Common Raven is listed as Least Concern due to its large range and stable population, it faces localized threats from habitat loss and persecution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and educating the public about their ecological importance.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Over 16,000,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Increasing[3]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Northern Raven

Family:

Corvidae

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Ravens can mimic human speech and have been known to say words like 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
  2. They have demonstrated the ability to plan for the future, a trait previously thought unique to humans and great apes.
  3. In captivity, ravens have shown problem-solving skills on par with chimpanzees.

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References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Corvus corax (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22706068A113271893.

    View source
  2. 3

    website: BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Common Raven Corvus corax.

    View source
  3. 2

    report, 2004: Rich et al.