Common Raven
Corvus corax
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="common-raven"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/common-raven/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/common-raven/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/common-raven/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="common-raven"></birdfyi-bird>The largest and most widely distributed corvid, the Common Raven ranges across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, thriving from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, and coastlines. All black with a glossy purplish-blue iridescence, it is set apart from crows by shaggy throat hackles, a long wedge-shaped tail, and a heavy build. Omnivorous and opportunistic, it consumes carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and refuse. It commands a remarkable vocal range — deep resonant croaks, hollow knocking notes, and liquid calls used in context within groups — and is counted among the most intelligent of birds. Nests of one to eight eggs are incubated for 20 to 25 days, and young fledge between 28 and 49 days. Pairs are long-lived and territorial. The species is classified as Least Concern.
À propos
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.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 63,0 cm | 24.8 in |
| Envergure | 130,0 cm | 51.2 in |
| Poids | 1200,0 g | 42.33 oz |
Identification
Plumage
All black with a glossy purplish-blue iridescent sheen. Shaggy throat hackles, long wedge-shaped tail, and large robust build distinguish it from crows.
Bec
Large, powerful, curved black bill
Habitat & Range
Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines. Avoids dense urban areas but thrives near human activity.
Répartition géographique
Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed corvid.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous and opportunistic — carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and human refuse. Among the most versatile feeders in the bird world.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: CP,PL. Incubation: 20-25 days. Fledging: 28-49 days.
Taille de la couvée
1-8
Son
Chant
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.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Passeriformes (Songbirds) |
| Famille | Corvidae (Crows, Jays & Magpies) |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Espèces | Corvus corax |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Kolkrabe |
| Spanish | Cuervo Grande |
Distribution
Common Raven has been recorded in 7 countries.
{# Distribution Map — simplified SVG world map with highlighted countries. Expects `country_codes` variable: list of ISO alpha-2 codes (e.g. ["US", "CA", "MX"]). Uses Alpine.js to toggle classes on country paths. #}countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Common Raven eat?
Where does the Common Raven live?
Is the Common Raven endangered?
How does the Common Raven nest?
What does the Common Raven sound like?
How big is the Common Raven?
What order and family does the Common Raven belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Corvidae family