Species Guide: Common/Northern Raven (Corvus corax)
Family: Corvidae
Common Raven APPEARANCE
Ravens have impressive black feathers, which, exhibit a glossy, metallic sheen. They are significantly larger and bulkier than crows and rooks, making them the largest corvids in the British Isles, comparable in size to the Common Buzzard. Significantly, a distinguishing feature of ravens is their powerful, blunt beak and shaggy throat feathers. Additionally, in flight, these birds have a distinctive diamond or wedge-shaped tail. Further, it’s common for males, females, and juveniles to appear quite similar in appearance.
Mythology & Legend
The Raven appears in many myths and legends from around the world. In particular, in Norse mythology two ravens fly around the human world, to bring information to the god Odin. Additionally, in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic texts, the raven was the first animal released from Noah’s Ark. It is written:
“After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground”.
Genesis 8:6-12
Diet
The species primarily feeds on carrion but may also hunt insects, small mammals, small birds, and their eggs.
HABITAT
Ravens inhabit a variety of environments but prefer uplands, moorlands, marshes, bogs, and coastal habitats. Consequently, spotting one in an urban setting is quite rare.
Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established populations.
Common Raven Behavior
Ravens are highly intelligent birds with exceptional flight abilities. They often perform aerobatic displays, which they seem to do for enjoyment. Additionally, you will often see ravens in pairs, as they are known to mate for life. However, in winter, you may observe larger groups of ravens, often consisting of juvenile birds.
Ravens breed early in the season, usually in February. Typically constructing their nests from twigs and moss. Their nest sites can be found on cliff ledges and in large trees. Also, Ravens tend to have several preferred nesting locations that they rotate each year. They have a single brood each year, with a clutch size typically ranging from 4 to 6. The eggs are incubated solely by the female for 22 days, then, after hatching, the nestlings take up to 40 days to fledge.
The call of a raven produces a deep, throaty sound.
Raven Call:
Romuald Mikusek xeno-canto.org
Biometrics
| Wing Length | 38.8 – 42.2 cm |
| Body Weight | 1050 – 1700 grams |
| Longevity | 10 – 15 Years |
Common Raven NATURAL PREDATORS
Golden Eagles are one of the few predators to actively hunt Ravens.
Conservation Status
Ravens used to be persecuted as pests on farms and game estates. However, conservation efforts have contributed to a recovery in their population.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
CITATIONS
- European Bird Breeding Atlas ↩︎
- Featherbase ↩︎
