Common Raven vs Great Horned Owl
Corvus corax compared with Bubo virginianus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Raven | Great Horned Owl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corvus corax | Bubo virginianus |
| Order | Passeriformes | Strigiformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Strigidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) | 55.0 cm (21.7 in) |
| Wingspan | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) | 127.0 cm (50.0 in) |
| Weight | 1200.0 g (42.33 oz) | 1400.0 g (49.38 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous and opportunistic — carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and human refuse. Among … | Extremely diverse — mammals (rabbits, skunks, rodents), birds (including other raptors), reptiles, amphibians, and fish. … |
| Clutch Size | 1-8 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Common Raven only
None
Great Horned Owl only
Common Raven
Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines. Avoids dense urban areas but thrives near human activity.
Great Horned Owl
Diverse habitats including forests, deserts, swamps, urban parks, and suburban areas. Nests in tree hollows, cliff ledges, and abandoned nests of other large birds.
Song & Call Comparison
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.
Great Horned Owl
Deep, resonant 'who-who-who-who-ooo': the classic 'hoo-h'HOO-hoo-hoo' territorial duet of a mated pair. Booms at dusk. Female pitch slightly higher than male.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Raven
Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed corvid.
Great Horned Owl
North and South America from subarctic Canada to Tierra del Fuego. One of the most widespread owls in the Americas.
Conservation Status
Common Raven
Great Horned Owl
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Great Horned Owl
Mottled grey-brown plumage with heavy dark barring. Prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a white throat patch give a fierce expression.
Dark grey-black hooked bill almost hidden by facial disc feathers
Key Differences
- • Weight: Common Raven (1200g) vs Great Horned Owl (1400g)
- • Length: Common Raven (63 cm) vs Great Horned Owl (55 cm)
- • Wingspan: Common Raven (130 cm) vs Great Horned Owl (127 cm)
- • Family: Common Raven (Corvidae) vs Great Horned Owl (Strigidae)
- • Habitat: Common Raven prefers Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, f; Great Horned Owl prefers Diverse habitats including forests, deserts, swamps, urban p
About These Birds
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.
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is the most powerful and widespread owl in the Americas, earning the nickname tiger of the sky. It is one of the earliest nesting birds, often laying eggs in January when snow still covers the ground. Great horned owls are fierce predators, regularly taking prey up to three times their own weight.