Raven (Corvus corax)

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Raven (Corvidae: Corvus corax)

To those of us from the eastern United States and used to the American Crow, the Raven is an enormous bird. The Raven occurs throughout the Northern Boreal Forest, Tundra, the Montane Coniferous Forests of the west, and the northern and mountainous regions of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. The species is also found throughout Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

Characteristic Features: The Raven looks like a crow but is much larger with a length of 21 to 27 inches compared to 17 to 21 inches for the American Crow. The bill is thicker and larger than that of the American Crow. The neck appears shaggy because of elongate feathers. The Raven is commonly seen flying like a hawk.

Habitat: The Raven is most commonly found in the coniferous forests of the Northern Boreal Forest and the Montane Forests of western North American. The species is common only in wilderness regions and avoids populated areas.

Food: Ravens are scavengers and carrion eaters commonly found around the carcasses left by wolves and other predators. The garbage dumps of small towns are a good place to look for them. They also raid seabirds colonies for eggs and nestlings.

Behavior: The voice is a deep guttaral croaking. Ravens commonly soar like hawks and vultures, riding the rising air currents. They sometimes indulge in areal displays and mock fights.

Reproduction: The nest consists of a large collection of sticks with a lining of fur, moss, and lichens. The clutch consists of 4 to 7 dull green eggs spotted with brown. The nest is placed in the top of a conifer or on a cliff.