Ravens are highly intelligent birds that are part of the corvid family, which also includes crows, jays, and magpies. Despite their reputation as being fearless, ravens do have some natural fears and predators that they instinctively avoid.
Loud Noises
One of the most well-known fears of ravens is their aversion to loud noises. The sound of gunshots, fireworks, or other explosive noises will send ravens scattering quickly. Researchers believe this reaction is an innate response developed over thousands of years to help ravens survive predation and threats from larger animals.
This sensitivity to loud noises is present shortly after hatching. Young ravens in the nest will crouch down and become silent when they hear an unexpectedly loud sound nearby. It’s thought this freeze response helps camouflage them from potential predators.
Noises Associated with Past Threats
Ravens have good memories when it comes to sounds that previously signaled danger. For example, if a raven has heard gunshots associated with being hunted in one area, they will become much more wary when hearing shots in other locations in the future.
Ravens can teach each other about dangerous noises too. If one raven responds fearfully to a specific sound, other ravens will make note and react similarly when they hear that noise. This cultural learning allows new threats to quickly become known by all members of the raven community.
Predatory Birds
Ravens are very cautious around predatory hawks and eagles, like the red-tailed hawk and golden eagle. These large raptors are big enough to hunt and kill ravens, making them a constant aerial threat. Ravens will scan the skies frequently and call out warnings when they spot a soaring predator nearby.
In some cases, ravens will mob and harass hawks or eagles that get too close to their nest. But in general they prefer to keep a safe distance from these larger birds whenever possible.
Owls
Owls are another predatory bird that ravens fear, especially larger owls such as the great horned owl. An owl taking roost near a raven’s nest represents a serious danger to eggs or hatchlings. Ravens have been observed attacking and mobbing owls that get too close during nesting season.
The raven’s calls can be very specific for certain predators. When spotting a great horned owl, ravens make deep croaking sounds that are clearly distinct from other alarm calls. This helps signal exactly what type of threat is present in the area.
Unfamiliar Objects
Ravens are highly inquisitive, but also cautious around novel items in their environment. Anything new or out of the ordinary is treated initially with suspicion and trepidation.
For example, ravens may avoid landing near a newly placed box or other unfamiliar object for some time until they determine it is not an actual threat. They also display apprehension around novel human-made contraptions and unusual sounds.
Over time, ravens can become accustomed and even intrigued by new things after confirming they don’t pose a danger. Their playful intelligence means they may even try to manipulate and interact with these objects once their fear has subsided.
Nest Disturbances
Ravens are highly defensive of their nest site and easily frightened by any disturbances nearby. While incubating eggs, raven pairs will be hesitant to leave the nest unattended. They may abandon their eggs if they are repeatedly scared off the nest by loud noises, predators, or other ongoing disruptions.
Once the young hatch, the raven parents become even more protective. They will call, dive-bomb, and attack potential predators that get too close. But a persistent threat that does not leave the nest area can still cause the ravens to abandon their helpless hatchlings.
Rapid Movements
Ravens instinctively fear rapid, unpredictable movements, which can signal danger. Fast-moving objects or animals dashing quickly towards ravens will often illicit an avoidance reaction.
For example, ravens foraging on the ground will fly up to an elevated perch if rapidly approached by a running human or dog. The sudden movement triggers their innate reaction to flee danger.
Potential Threats from Mammals
Ravens have an ingrained wariness around larger mammals such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, and big cats. These predators are intelligent enough to be crafty predators of eggs or hatchlings left unattended in the nest.
Adult ravens are generally beyond the reach of most mammal predators. But ravens have learned through long experience that the presence of these deadly hunters in the area represent a risk that requires them to be extra vigilant.
Unnatural Settings
While highly adaptable to many environments, ravens are more anxious and fearful when encountering unnatural settings. Being intelligent birds, they are surprised and distrustful of manmade habitats such as cities, subdivisions, and agriculture areas.
Unnatural noises, unfamiliar objects, and limited nesting spots will make ravens jumpy and hesitant to socialize or linger until they become more accustomed to these surroundings over time.
Presence of Dead Animals
Ravens have an instinctive wariness of places where dead animals have accumulated. While they eat carrion, it is natural for them to be alert for potential dangers around animal carcasses.
Scenting dead animals may indicate the presence of predators who made the kill or remain nearby, representing a threat to the ravens. Ravens will be very cautious when foraging among dead animals, constantly scanning for danger.
Poisoned Baits
Ravens will come to recognize and fear food sources that have been previously poisoned. For example, if a raven eats a poisoned bait, they may vomit and exhibit scared behavior afterwards when encountering similar baits.
The birds quickly learn to identify and avoid toxic food sources. Their excellent memories ensure the raven and even flock-mates taught by observers will remember that danger long into the future.
Conclusion
Ravens are highly intelligent and resourceful birds. But despite depicting ravens as fearless in folklore and legends, they do have inborn fears and predator avoidance responses.
Loud noises, predatory birds, and disturbances near the nest are some key fears seen in ravens across their worldwide range. They also have strong wariness toward novel objects and unnatural surroundings.
The raven’s legendary intelligence does provide them some protection though. They can learn from bad experiences and rapidly inform others about new dangers and threats in their environment.