Common Raven

Overview

Common Raven: Large raven with all-black body, large, stout bill, wedge-shaped tail. Eats invertebrates, vertebrates, insects, carrion, refuse, eggs and young of other birds, and rodents. Strong flight, alternates several deep wing beats with long glides on flat wings. Soars on thermals, updrafts.

Range and Habitat

Common Raven: Resident from the Aleutians, northern Alaska and northern Canada south throughout western U.S. to Minnesota, Great Lakes, and northern New England; also found in the Appalachians to northwestern Georgia. Preferred habitats include coniferous forests and rocky coasts; also found in deserts and arid mountains in the west.

INTERESTING FACTS

Common Ravens engage in seemingly playful acts such as yanking the tails of cats and dogs. This may account for the fact that American Indian folklore often portrays them as tricksters.
In many cultures it is viewed as an auspicious symbol of wisdom, fertility and creation. However in the Christian tradition it is considered a bird of ill omen, heralding evil, warfare and death.
It is an acrobatic flier and has even been observed flying upside down for as far as one kilometer.
A group of ravens has many collective nouns, including a "bazaar", "constable", "rant", "storytelling", and "unkindness" of ravens.

The Common Raven is a crow which may also be called a “Northern Raven”. This species is located throughout the Northern hemisphere, in varied climate regions. The Common Raven has the largest range in its genus for this fact. Only those which live in Arctic climates migrate southward in winter months. They are omnivores and feed on carrion, insects, food waste from humans, grains, berries, fruit and small animals. These birds prefer to live in wooded areas, are opportunistic feeders, and are considered a pest in regions where they cohabitate with humans. The Common Raven is known for displaying problem-solving skills as well. Its current conservation rating is Least Concern.