Common Raven

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.