Common Raven head, showing hackles at throat, Death Valley, CA, 2011. Alan Vernon. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Common Raven, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, 2010. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

common raven

Corvus corax

Identification: 
The Common Raven is an all-black bird considerably bigger than a crow.  Other distinguishing features include scruffy “hackle” feathers at the throat; a very large bill with a small hook in the upper portion; and prominent “fingers” at the wing ends.  The tail widens out toward the middle, then narrows at the end.

Behavior:
Unlike the American Crow, the Common Raven is often solitary or in pairs.  It flies not in steady flaps but often by gliding and soaring.  It is omnivorous and will seek out living or dead food, even garbage cast off by humans.  The Common Raven has a reputation for intelligence.    

What brings it to the SBG?
Primarily food.  Ravens nest on cliffs or buildings, so it is unlikely that SBG provides nesting sites.  However, the Common Raven is quite adaptable and will frequent many types of habitat from mountainous regions to urban areas.  Perhaps SBG provides an appetizing selection of foods from small birds and mammals to human picnic leavings. 

When can I see it?
Year-round.