Crows and ravens may look similar at first glance, but they are actually different species of birds in the corvid family. While there is some overlap in characteristics, there are also key differences between crows and ravens when it comes to their size, calls, feathers, habitat, and behavior. By understanding the distinguishing features of each species, you can learn to tell crows and ravens apart.
Quick Facts
Crows
- Smaller in size (15-21 inches long)
- Weigh 11-21 oz
- Completely black feathers
- Make a “caw caw” sound
- Omnivorous; eat crops, insects, carrion, small animals
- Found in a wide variety of habitats
- Highly social and communal nesters
Ravens
- Larger in size (22-27 inches long)
- Weigh 24-69 oz
- Shiny black feathers with purple iridescence
- Make a deep, croaking “prruk” sound
- Omnivorous, but eat more meat and carrion
- Found in wilderness areas and remote habitats
- Nest in pairs rather than large colonies
Size and Proportion
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between crows and ravens is their size. Ravens are significantly larger than crows. Crows measure 15 to 21 inches (38 to 53 centimeters) long, with a wingspan of 34 to 43 inches (85 to 108 cm). Ravens, on the other hand, are 22 to 27 inches (55 to 69 cm) long with a wingspan of 45 to 56 inches (114 to 142 cm).
In terms of weight, crows weigh around 11 to 21 ounces (300 to 600 grams). Ravens are noticeably heavier, weighing 24 to 69 ounces (680 to 1,950 grams). The raven’s larger bill is also a clue. It’s longer and heavier than a crow’s bill.
Size Comparison
Bird | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Crow | 15-21 in | 34-43 in | 11-21 oz |
Raven | 22-27 in | 45-56 in | 24-69 oz |
As you can see, the raven is distinctly larger in length, wingspan, and weight compared to the average crow. When seeing one of these birds up close, the size difference is quite noticeable.
Sounds
Crows and ravens produce different types of calls and sounds. Crows make the familiar “caw caw” sound in various patterns and durations. They also use a wide range of clicks, rattles, and mechanical-sounding notes to communicate different messages.
Ravens, on the other hand, produce a deeper, more throaty “prruk” or croaking sound. Their calls are lower pitched and sound more guttural compared to the caw of a crow.
Ravens also use a wide repertoire of sounds like knocks, snaps, and slides. Their calls tend to be more complex than crows, with greater variety and sequencing. By listening closely to vocalizations, you can pick up on the distinctions between crow and raven calls.
Feather Differences
When observed up close, the feathers of crows and ravens show some key differences. Both birds have shiny black plumage, but raven feathers often appear more lustrous with a bluish or purplish iridescence when the light hits them. Ravens also have longer throat feathers forming a distinctive ruff or “beard.”
Crow tail feathers tend to be fanned or smoother along the edges, while ravens have pointed, wedge-shaped tails. Raven wing feathers also appear longer and more slender in flight. The longer “finger” feathers at the ends give raven wings a distinctive curved or fingered look.
Plumage Comparison
Crow | Raven | |
---|---|---|
Color | Black | Black with purple iridescence |
Throat Feathers | Short | Long, forming “beard” |
Tail Shape | Fan-shaped | Wedge-shaped |
Wing Shape | Blunter | Long, fingered appearance |
You’ll need to get a close view to observe some of these feather distinctions. But features like iridescence, tail shape, and “beard” length point to clear differences between crows and ravens.
Habitat and Range
Crows and ravens occupy different habitats and geographical ranges, which also aids in telling them apart. Crows thrive in human-altered landscapes and live in close proximity to humans. They are very adaptable generalists and occupy a wide range of habitats including fields, woodlots, marshes, beaches, and cities. Crows nest semi-colonially and often form large flocks.
Ravens prefer relatively undisturbed, remote wilderness areas including mountains, cliffs, mature/old growth forests, and deserts. Their range covers northern and mountainous regions. Ravens avoid developed areas when possible and are generally more wary of humans. They nest in solitary pairs rather than colonies.
Range Map
This range map shows how crows (blue) occupy a larger area across North America, while ravens (green) occupy more northern latitudes and interior western regions near mountains and deserts. The two ranges overlap the most in the western U.S.
Behavior and Intelligence
In terms of behavior, ravens often appear bolder and more aggressive compared to crows. Their aerial acrobatics are more pronounced, while crows tend to perch more frequently. Ravens are known for performing rolls, dives, barrel rolls, soaring, and “surfing” on wind currents.
Both species are highly intelligent. However, ravens exhibit more feats of problem solving and tool use. Their play behavior is more complex and varied as well. For example, ravens may slide down snowy roofs and make their own toys. They also show abilities like mimicry and object manipulation in captivity.
One study found that ravens plan for events up to two hours in the future. Crows also display intelligence, such as remembering human faces that pose a threat. But ravens perform better at cognitive tests of abstract reasoning. Their mental abilities are considered closer to monkeys and apes.
Behavioral Comparison
Crows | Ravens | |
---|---|---|
Flight Maneuvers | Moderate acrobatics | Frequent aerial stunts |
Perching vs Flight | More frequent perching | More time soaring |
Human Wariness | Moderately wary | Very wary |
Problem Solving | Moderate | Very high |
In terms of behavior and problem-solving, ravens appear to have the edge over crows in many respects. Their wariness, acrobatics, and cognitive abilities point to more complexity.
Nesting and Social Behavior
When it comes to nesting and social dynamics, crows and ravens follow different patterns as well. Crows are highly communal, gathering in large flocks and building nests semi-colonially with other pairs nearby. Flock sizes can range into the hundreds or thousands. More solitary and territorial species of crows may form breeding pairs but still congregate in large community roosts.
Ravens nest singly in pairs on protected cliff ledges or in tall trees. They remain in pairs year round, with the same partner for many years. Ravens do not congregate in large flocks, though family units may forage together after breeding season. Their social activity is centered around a breeding pair and their offspring rather than a broader flock or colony.
Nesting and Social Patterns
Crows | Ravens | |
---|---|---|
Nest Site | Trees, often semi-colonial | Cliffs, tall trees, solitary |
Social Structure | Colonial flocks | Lifelong breeding pairs |
Roosting | Communal roosts | Solitary, family units |
Flock Size | Hundreds or thousands | No large flocks |
The more solitary nesting and social behavior of ravens differentiates them from the larger colonial flocks and roosts of crows.
Distinguishing Physical Features
To quickly summarize some of the main physical differences:
- Size – Ravens are noticeably larger in length and weight
- Proportion – Ravens have larger heads and thicker necks/bills relative to their bodies
- Feathers – Ravens have longer throat feathers and pointed, wedge-shaped tails
- Wings – Ravens have longer, more fingered primary feathers
- Flight – Ravens soar more and do rolls/aerial stunts
- Calls – Ravens make deep, croaking “prruk” sounds compared to crows’ “caw”
Observing whether a bird exhibits most of these physical and behavioral traits can help determine if it’s a raven or a crow once you’re familiar with them.
Geographic Range as a Clue
As a general rule, larger, all-black corvids are much more likely to be ravens in western North America, but crows on the East coast. That’s because ravens primarily occupy the northern and western U.S., while crows dominate the East.
In the Pacific Northwest and interior West, look for ravens soaring on wind currents and making deep croaking calls from remote cliffs and canyons. In the eastern U.S., listen for the familiar “caw caw” of American crows gathered in large flocks.
But there is some overlap in states like Colorado and Utah where both exist. Here you need to look more closely at size, voice, habitat, and behavior to tell them apart when their ranges intersect.
Observation Tips
Here are some tips for observing corvids in the field to identify crows and ravens:
- Note overall size – crows are smaller
- Look for wedge-shaped vs. flat tail feathers
- Listen for deep, croaking calls vs. higher-pitched caws
- Note habitat – ravens prefer remote wilderness
- Watch flight pattern – ravens soar more often
- Look for barrel rolls and acrobatics in flight
- See if throat feathers are long and ruffled
- Observe social dynamics – crows in large flocks
With practice, you’ll begin recognizing the signature features of each species. Size and calls provide immediate clues, while plumage and behavior differences are more subtle.
Key Identification Tips
To summarize, here are four key traits to help identify crows vs. ravens:
- Size – Ravens are significantly larger
- Calls – Ravens make deeper croaks & groans
- Tail – Ravens have longer, wedge-shaped tails
- Flight – Ravens soar, tumble and roll more in flight
Remembering these four characteristic differences will help you tell crows and ravens apart reliably when you encounter these two often-mistaken corvid species.
Conclusion
While crows and ravens may seem identical at first glance, they present key physical and behavioral differences. With close observation, you can learn to distinguish these two fascinating bird species.
Size, feathers, sounds, flight patterns, habitat preferences, and social patterns set ravens apart from crows. With enough encounters, their distinctive traits will become more apparent. Whether a sly crow or foreboding raven crosses your path, you can appreciate the subtle features that set it apart.