The raven belongs to the class Aves, which includes all birds. Ravens belong to the order Passeriformes, the perching birds, and the family Corvidae, which includes crows, jays, and magpies. Ravens are in the genus Corvus along with crows and jackdaws. There are several species of raven including the common raven, Chihuahuan raven, and Australian raven. So in summary, the class of a raven is Aves, the order is Passeriformes, the family is Corvidae, the genus is Corvus.
Physical Characteristics
Ravens are entirely black, including their bill, legs, and feathers. They are large birds, around 24-27 inches long (60-70 cm) with a wingspan of 45-51 inches (115-130 cm). Ravens weigh between 1.5-4 pounds (0.7-1.8 kg). They have long tails that are rounded or wedge-shaped at the tip. Ravens have thick necks and large bills that are slightly curved. Their feathers are iridescent so they can appear purplish-blue in bright sunlight.
Behavior
Ravens are intelligent, social birds that often live in pairs or small groups called “unkindnesses.” They make a wide range of calls including croaks, knocks, and clicks. Ravens are omnivorous and eat anything from fruit and berries to small animals, carrion, and garbage. They soar high in the air and perform aerial acrobatics during courtship. Ravens build large nests out of sticks high up in trees or on cliffs. They mate for life and raise one brood of 4-7 eggs per year. Young ravens stay with their parents for a few months after fledging.
Habitat
Ravens live in many types of habitat across their wide range. They thrive in forests, shrublands, deserts, tundra, and mountains. Ravens prefer areas with cliffs, trees, and open spaces. They also readily adapt to human environments such as cities, suburbs, farms, and landfills where food is abundant. Ravens are found throughout much of North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. The common raven has the largest range of any passerine bird.
Taxonomy
Here is the complete scientific classification of the common raven:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus
Species: Corvus corax
The common raven was one of the many species originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his 18th century work Systema Naturae. Its scientific name Corvus corax comes from the Latin words corvus meaning “raven” and corax meaning “raven-like.”
Interesting Facts
Intelligence
Ravens are considered one of the most intelligent bird species. They have the largest brain relative to body size of any passerine bird. Ravens are capable of mimicry and can imitate a wide variety of sounds like other birds, animals, and even humans. They demonstrate self-awareness in mirror tests, use tools, solve problems, and remember individuals who have wronged them.
Communication
Ravens make many different vocalizations including a deep, croaking “tok” often given in flight. Their calls vary by context such as signaling a threat, food source, or assembly. Ravens will mob predators or rivals with loud “kr-r-r-ruks.” They knock their bills together to communicate at roosts.
Adaptability
Ravens thrive around human settlements where they find easy sources of food and nesting sites. As forests were cleared, raven populations increased and they expanded their range dramatically. Ravens are generalists and opportunists, adapting readily to new environments.
Mythology
Ravens feature heavily in myths, legends, and folklore around the world. In Greek mythology, Apollo (god of prophecy) took the form of a raven. Ravens are linked to the Norse god Odin, who had two raven companions named Huginn and Muninn (“thought” and “memory”). Many Native American groups have raven characters in traditional stories. The Raven is seen as a trickster, culture hero, and creator.
Comparison to Crows
Ravens are often confused with American crows due to their similar black plumage. However, ravens are noticeably larger with thicker bills, longer tails, and wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tails rather than crows’ fan-shaped tails. Ravens also have distinctive hackles at their throat covered in elongated feathers. Their calls are deeper and hoarser compared to crows’ higher-pitched cawing.
Here is a table comparing some key features of ravens and crows:
Feature | Raven | Crow |
---|---|---|
Size | 24-27 inches long | 16-20 inches long |
Wingspan | 45-51 inches | 33-39 inches |
Weight | 1.5-4 pounds | 12-20 ounces |
Tail shape | Wedge-shaped or diamond | Fan-shaped |
Flight style | Soaring, gliding | Stiff wingbeats |
Calls | Deep, hoarse croaks | Higher-pitched caws |
Relationship to Humans
Cultural Significance
As one of the most intelligent and adaptable bird species, ravens have long fascinated humans. Ravens appear in many myths, legends, and folklore around the world. They are seen as tricksters, messengers, or harbingers of death. Native American tribes imbued the raven with supernatural powers of creation and prophecy. Ravens were viewed as solar birds by ancient Egyptians, Celts, and Scandinavians.
Pests
While intriguing to humans, ravens can also be pests. They will eat grains and fruits on farms, raid trash receptacles, and disturb livestock with their noise. Large winter raven roosts concentrated near rural towns cause significant problems from droppings and noise. However, ravens provide ecosystem services by scavenging carcasses and garbage that could otherwise spread disease.
Conservation Status
The common raven has an extremely large range and stable population, so it is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, some other raven species with smaller ranges like the Chihuahuan raven are Near Threatened. While not threatened overall, ravens do face local persecution and declines from habitat loss and poisoning campaigns targeting scavenging birds. Protecting large tracts of wilderness habitat will benefit raven populations.
Conclusion
In summary, the raven belongs to the biological class Aves as a member of the Corvidae family of songbirds. Ravens are remarkable birds that display intelligence, adaptability, and complex vocalizations and social behavior. They hold a significant place in human culture, myths, and traditions around the world. Protecting large wild areas that provide ravens with undisturbed breeding habitat will ensure the future of these iconic birds. Though sometimes a nuisance, ravens captivate humans and add an undeniable element of wildness to any landscape.