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in flight

Common Raven

Corvus corax

YEAR-ROUND

Size:	22-27" (56-69 cm)
Male:	Large all-black bird with a large black bill, a shaggy beard of feathers on the throat and chin, and a large wedge-shaped tail, as seen in flight.
Female:	same as male
Juvenile:	same as adult
Nest:	platform; female and male construct; 1 brood per year
Eggs:	4-6; pale green with brown markings
Incubation:	18-21 days; female incubates
Fledging:	38-44 days; female and male feed young
Migration:	non-migrator; moves around to find food
Food:	insects, fruit, small animals, carrion
Compare:	Larger than its cousin, the American Crow, which lacks shaggy throat feathers. Glides on flat, outstretched wings unlike the slight V-shaped wing pattern of the American Crow. Listen for the Raven’s deep, low raspy call to distinguish it from the higher-pitched American Crow.

Stan’s Notes: Considered by some people to be the smartest of all birds. Known for its aerial acrobatics and long swooping dives. Sometimes scavenges with crows and gulls. A cooperative hunter that often communicates the location of a good source of food to other ravens. Complex courtship includes grabbing bills, preening each other and cooing. Most begin to breed at 3-4 years. Mates for life. Uses the same nest site for many years.