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Common Raven

Corvus corax

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

The Common Raven can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Common Raven is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Common Raven is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Common Raven is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Common Raven can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Common Raven is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Common Raven is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Common Raven is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Common Raven can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Common Raven is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Common Raven can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Common Raven is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Raven. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Afghanistan Algeria Andorra Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bulgaria Canada Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Egypt El Salvador Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Gibraltar Greece Greenland Guatemala Honduras Hungary Iceland Iran Iraq Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Latvia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Mexico Moldova Morocco Netherlands Nicaragua Palestine Portugal Romania Russia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Syria The United Kingdom Tunisia Turkey Ukraine
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Albania Armenia Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina China Georgia Germany Israel Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Mongolia Montenegro Nepal Norway Poland Russia Serbia Tajikistan Turkmenistan United States of America Uzbekistan
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Lebanon
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Malta Panama Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands United Arab Emirates

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Common Raven displays remarkable agility, performing aerial acrobatics including rolls and somersaults in flight. Their ability to navigate diverse habitats from sea level to 6,000 metres elevation further demonstrates their impressive manoeuvrability.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a large corvid with a robust build, the Common Raven possesses considerable strength for its size. Their ability to crack open nuts and shellfish by dropping them from heights indicates significant physical power, though not at the level of larger birds of prey.

Adaptability 95

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Common Ravens exhibit exceptional adaptability, thriving in a wide range of habitats from forests and tundra to urban environments. Their problem-solving skills, tool use, and diverse diet showcase their remarkable capacity to adjust to various conditions and challenges.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive towards humans, Common Ravens can display territorial behaviour and engage in cooperative hunting. Their intelligence and opportunistic nature may lead to assertive behaviours, particularly when defending nests or competing for food resources.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Common Raven's ability to inhabit diverse environments, including harsh climates like the Arctic, suggests high endurance. Their large size and capacity for long flights, coupled with their year-round residency in many areas, indicate substantial stamina and resilience.

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.

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

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

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.

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.

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