American Crow vs Common Raven
Corvus brachyrhynchos compared with Corvus corax
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Crow | Common Raven |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corvus brachyrhynchos | Corvus corax |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Corvidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 45.0 cm (17.7 in) | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 99.0 cm (39.0 in) | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) |
| Weight | 450.0 g (15.87 oz) | 1200.0 g (42.33 oz) |
| Diet | Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … | Omnivorous and opportunistic — carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and human refuse. Among … |
| Clutch Size | 3-7 | 1-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
American Crow
Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.
Common Raven
Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines. Avoids dense urban areas but thrives near human activity.
Song & Call Comparison
American Crow
Classic 'caw-caw-caw' repeated in series. Family groups use distinct dialects. Also gives rattling, knocking, and a short 'cah' flight call. Highly social and vocal.
Common Raven
Highly varied: deep resonant 'kraa-kraa-kraa', hollow 'tok-tok', liquid 'klonk', and wing-whooshing. Among the most intelligent corvid callers; uses calls contextually in groups.
Geographic Range & Migration
American Crow
North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.
Common Raven
Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed corvid.
Conservation Status
American Crow
Common Raven
How to Tell Them Apart
American Crow
All black with a slight glossy sheen. Squared-off tail and smooth throat distinguish it from the common raven.
Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's
Common Raven
All black with a glossy purplish-blue iridescent sheen. Shaggy throat hackles, long wedge-shaped tail, and large robust build distinguish it from crows.
Large, powerful, curved black bill
Key Differences
- • Weight: Common Raven (1200g) vs American Crow (450g)
- • Length: Common Raven (63 cm) vs American Crow (45 cm)
- • Wingspan: Common Raven (130 cm) vs American Crow (99 cm)
- • Habitat: Common Raven prefers Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, f; American Crow prefers Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, subu
About These Birds
American Crow
The American crow is one of North America's most familiar and intelligent birds. Research has shown they can recognize individual human faces and communicate perceived threats to other crows. They form large winter roosts of up to hundreds of thousands of individuals in some cities.
Common Raven
The common raven is among the most intelligent birds, demonstrating tool use, future planning, and social manipulation in scientific studies. In many cultures, ravens feature prominently in mythology as creators, tricksters, or messengers. Their complex vocalizations include over 30 distinct calls.