Raven

Description

Ravens are similar to crows in appearance but larger, with comparatively heavier bills. Throat feathers are pointed and elongated, and the tail is wedge-shaped. Ravens also have low, hoarse voices compared to the higher-pitched caws of its cousin.

Range and Habitat

Ravens are mainly scavengers and traditionally inhabited mountainous and wild hill country and seacoasts in both forested and unforested regions, although they have expanded into many human-made environments in recent decades. The common raven (C. corax), a fierce and crafty bird, is found in both the Old and New Worlds. It is the only raven native to Canada and is widely distributed, breeding from the high arctic islands (Prince Patrick Island, southern Ellesmere Island) across to Newfoundland. It now occurs in much of central Alberta, southwestern Manitoba, and central and southern Saskatchewan, where it used to be absent.

The only other North American raven, the chihuahuan raven (C. cryptoleucus), is restricted to the southwestern US and Mexico.

Nesting

Ravens build large nests on cliff ledges, rock quarries, in woodlots, isolated trees, and also occasionally on man-made structures like transmission or cell phone towers, that can be used for several years.

Evidence suggests that pairs mate for life. Ravens are majestic fliers and aerobatic displays seem to be involved in their courtship rituals.

Relationship with Humans

The long life, uncanny intelligence and fearlessness of ravens have given them a unique place in First Nations mythology.

See also RAVEN SYMBOLISM.

Raven Distribution

Raven, Common
The raven is a fierce and crafty bird which widely figures in native mythology as a mischief maker (photo by Brian M. Wolitski).

Author LORRAINE G. D'AGINCOURT Revised: JOCELYN HUDON

Suggested Reading
Candace Savage, Bird Brains: The Intelligence of Ravens, Crows, Magpies and Jays (1995) and Crows: Encounters with the Wise Guys of the Avian World (2005).

Links to Other Sites
All About Birds
Search this online bird identification guide for information on specific bird species found in North America. Click on the dynamic map of eBird sightings for a magnified view. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the US.

Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.