Ravens are large, intelligent birds that belong to the corvid family, which also includes crows, jays, and magpies. While ravens and crows look similar and are both entirely black, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish a raven from other bird species.
Size
One of the most noticeable ways to identify a raven is by its size. Ravens are significantly larger than crows, measuring 24 – 27 inches (60 – 70 cm) long with a wingspan of 45 – 50 inches (115 – 130 cm). Crows are smaller, measuring around 18 inches (45 cm) long with a wingspan of 33 – 39 inches (85 – 100 cm). If you see a large all-black bird, it is likely a raven.
Beak Size and Shape
Ravens have larger, heavier beaks than crows. A raven’s beak is longer and curved, with a tuft of feathers covering the nostrils. Crows have smaller, straighter beaks. Examining the beak can help you determine if you are looking at a raven or crow.
Tail Shape
When seen flying overhead, the tail shape can be a useful identifier. A raven’s tail appears wedge-shaped or triangular, while a crow’s tail is more squared off at the end. Look for a long, wedge-shaped tail to spot a soaring raven.
Wing Shape
The wings of a raven are also distinctive when seen flying. Ravens have longer primary feathers on the wingtips that give the wing a curved appearance. A crow’s wing outline when soaring appears more squared off at the ends rather than curved like a raven’s.
Flight Pattern
Ravens engage in acrobatics while in flight, often doing rolls, dives, and somersaults. Crows typically do not tumble and soar in flight like ravens do. If you see a large black bird tucking, rolling, and diving through the air, it is likely a raven showing off its flying skills.
Vocalizations
Ravens make a wide array of calls, including croaks, gurgles, and caws. However, ravens have a deeper, raspier voice than crows. Ravens also make a unique cracking sound in flight that crows do not make. If you hear a loud, creaking call coming from a soaring black bird, that confirms it is a raven.
Beak Size Comparison
Bird | Beak Length |
---|---|
Raven | 4 – 5 inches |
Crow | 1.5 – 2 inches |
This table compares the beak sizes of ravens and crows, showing how a raven’s beak is much longer than a crow’s.
Size Comparison
Bird | Length | Wingspan |
---|---|---|
Raven | 24 – 27 inches | 45 – 50 inches |
Crow | 18 inches | 33 – 39 inches |
This table compares the sizes of ravens and crows, showing how ravens are significantly larger in both body length and wingspan.
Range
Ravens are found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They inhabit many types of habitat, including forests, deserts, tundra, and human settlements. Crows occupy some of the same ranges but generally prefer agricultural areas and urban environments over undeveloped wilderness.
Intelligence
Ravens are considered one of the most intelligent bird species. They demonstrate foresight, problem-solving skills, imitation, and imagination. Ravens are playful birds and often engage in acrobatic aerial displays. Crows are also intelligent birds capable of using tools and solving problems, but ravens seem to exhibit more complex cognitive abilities.
Behavior
Ravens are bold, social birds that usually mate for life and travel in family groups rather than large flocks. Crows are more cautious around humans but also very social, forming large communal roosts in the winter. Ravens strut confidently on the ground, whereas crows tend to walk more stealthily.
Eating Habits
Both ravens and crows are omnivorous scavengers, but they have some dietary differences. Ravens prey on small mammals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles more frequently than crows. Crows rely more on insects, grains, fruit, nuts, and small invertebrates. However, both species are flexible and opportunistic in their feeding habits.
Nesting
Ravens nest on cliffs, in trees, and on man-made structures like cell phone towers. They build a large, cup-shaped nest out of sticks, twigs, and other materials. Crows typically nest in trees but also build their nests from sticks and twigs, just on a smaller scale than ravens.
Conservation Status
Both ravens and crows are numerous and thrive around human settlements. Ravens are considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to their large range and stable population. However, in some areas, raven populations have declined locally. Crows are so abundant in the wild they are considered agricultural pests in some regions.
Conclusion
While ravens and crows overlap in some ways, there are notable physical and behavioral differences between these two corvid species. With careful observation of size, voice, feathering, flight patterns, and other characteristics, an observer can confidently distinguish between these and other all-black birds. Ravens and crows each have amazing capabilities and serve important roles in the ecosystems where they live.