American Robin vs Common Raven
Turdus migratorius compared with Corvus corax
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Robin | Common Raven |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius | Corvus corax |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae | Corvidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) |
| Weight | 77.0 g (2.72 oz) | 1200.0 g (42.33 oz) |
| Diet | Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … | Omnivorous and opportunistic — carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and human refuse. Among … |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 1-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
American Robin only
Common Raven only
American Robin
Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, and forest edges. One of the most familiar birds in suburban North America.
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 Robin
A clear, caroling song of 2-3 note phrases: 'cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio'. Sings from dawn perches. Sharp 'tut-tut-tut' alarm call and thin 'seeee' flight note.
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 Robin
North America from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are largely resident.
Common Raven
Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed corvid.
Conservation Status
American Robin
Common Raven
How to Tell Them Apart
American Robin
Dark grey-brown upperparts with a warm brick-red breast and belly. White eye-ring and streaked white throat. Female slightly paler.
Bright yellow bill with a dark tip
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
About These Birds
American Robin
The American robin is widely regarded as a harbinger of spring across North America. Despite its name, it is a true thrush unrelated to the European robin. American robins produce two to three broods per year and are among the earliest birds to sing in the morning chorus.
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.