Raven Facts

 

“The raven, recognized as the most intelligent of all birds. The small crow whispers him information.” Audrey Tourney

 

Characteristics

• Ravens are almost identical to crows, but are larger and inclined, at times, to be more solitary.
• The back edge of a raven’s tail is paddle shaped, not cut straight across like a crow’s, its neck feathers more shaggy and its beak heavier.
• Ravens seem also to have a greater love of flying than crows
• They also have a large variety of communication calls ranging from 20-300 according to various authorities.
• Modern science verifies the folk wisdom that ravens are highly intelligent birds. Their brain size, adaptability and longevity place them high on the evolutionary scale.
• Raven are known for sticking up for one another, often coming to the aid of injured or distressed members of the flock when they call.
• They are team players that cooperate closely, keeping one or two sentries posted while a flock forages, and joining together to mob potential predators such as hawks or owls.

Habitat

• Widespread in North America, Eurasia, Africa. Expanding as forests mature, slowly southward in Northeast.

Food

• Ravens are omnivores, known to eat hundreds of different kinds of food, including seeds, berries, insects, young birds, snails, eggs, squirrels and carrion.