American Crow vs Little Raven

Corvus brachyrhynchos compared with Corvus mellori

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Crow Little Raven
Scientific Name Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus mellori
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Corvidae Corvidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 45.0 cm (17.7 in)
Wingspan 99.0 cm (39.0 in) 66.2 cm (26.1 in)
Weight 450.0 g (15.87 oz) 523.0 g (18.45 oz)
Diet Highly omnivorous — insects, earthworms, seeds, fruit, eggs, nestlings, carrion, and human food waste. Among … --
Clutch Size 3-7 1-6
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
American Crow 45.0 cm
Little Raven
Wingspan
American Crow 99.0 cm
Little Raven 66.2 cm
Weight
American Crow 450.0 g
Little Raven 523.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Crow only

Little Raven only

None

American Crow

Extremely adaptable — found in farmland, open woodland, suburban neighborhoods, parking lots, and urban parks.

Song & Call Comparison

American Crow

Song

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.

Little Raven

Geographic Range & Migration

American Crow

North America from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.

Little Raven

Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Crow

Least Concern

Little Raven

How to Tell Them Apart

American Crow

Plumage

All black with a slight glossy sheen. Squared-off tail and smooth throat distinguish it from the common raven.

Bill

Straight, sturdy black bill smaller than a raven's

Little Raven

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.

Related Comparisons

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family