raven
1. Bird Name
English name: Raven
Scientific name: Corvus corax
2. Appearance
Ravens are an all-black bird species noteworthy for their glossy, somewhat iridescent plumage. They have robust bodies with a broad, robust beak designed for varied diets that ranges from an irregular greyish interior to black. The bird’s eyes are dark brown. Ravens have a distinctive shaggy throat, and importantly, their feathers can show a blue or purplish sheen in bright sunlight. Both males and females share similar appearances with no pronounced sexual dimorphism.
3. Size
Ravens are fairly large birds, averaging 60–70 cm (24–27 inches) in length. Their wingspan can stretch to approximately 116–130 cm (46–51 inches). The weight range for this species is typically between 0.69-1.63 kg (1.5-3.6 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Ravens are widely distributed, found across the entire Northern Hemisphere. They can adapt to varied habitats, including forests, mountains, and grasslands but are most commonly found in the tundra and mountainous areas. Ravens are amazingly adaptable and can be commonly seen even in Arctic regions and desert landscapes.
5. Interesting Facts
The raven has substantial cultural significance. They are a common iconic figure in mythology and folklore, being revered as symbols of wisdom or harbingers of war or death. Ravens are known for their remarkable intellectual capabilities and problem-solving skills, even known to craft and use tools. They are also unique for their long-term monogamy habits and their wide behavioral repertoire that includes playing with and sliding down snowbanks, apparently purely for enjoyment.
6. Diet
Ravens are omnivorous, consuming a variety of food types, including grains, berries, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and birds’ eggs. They are also scavengers, often feasting on carcasses and garbage.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Ravens exhibit a wide range of behaviors. They are known to build large, robust nests typically in tall, isolated trees or on cliff edges. Ravens have a complex social structure and can often be seen in pairs or large groups. They are also known for their diverse and often complex vocalizations, their calls ranging from a hollow, echoing croak to various melodious notes.
8. Conservation Status
Ravens are of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List. Their population is wide-spread and steady, even thriving in some places due to human activity creating new habitats.
9. Lifespan
Ravens can live up to 10-15 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live up to 40 years. In captivity, they can survive even longer, with records of lifespan reaching over 44 years.
10. Additional Notes
Raven, in German, is “Rabe”, in Spanish as “cuervo”, in French as “corbeau”, and in Italian as “corvo”. Despite often being considered a nuisance due to their scavenging habit, they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping in decomposition. Ravens are known to have a friendly yet cautious relationship with humans and have been noted in numerous studies for their intelligence and extra-ordinary problem-solving skills.
