Common Raven or American Crow?
Here's how to tell the difference
Common Raven
American Crow
Common Raven
Corvus corax
Also known as: Western Raven, Northern Raven
General appearance
The common raven is a large bird, about the size of a heron or a mallard. Its size ranges between 53-69 cm. It has a black coloration throughout its body. Its wings are fingered, long and narrow. The tail is distinctive, having a wedge shape. The raven's throat feathers are shaggy and it has a very thick bill.
Male vs female
In terms of coloration, size, shape, and overall appearance, male and female common ravens are similar. They exhibit sexual monomorphism, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the sexes.
Juvenile
Juvenile common ravens are similar to adults. However, juveniles might have a slightly more slender appearance and lack the shagginess of the adult neck feathers. As they mature, they will gain this more robust appearance and the distinctive shaggy throat.
Size
22.8 - 27.2 in/24.3 - 57.3 oz
There's more to learn about Common Raven
View full detailsAmerican Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
General appearance
The American Crow is a bird measuring 17-21 inches, or 43-53 centimeters, in length. It is easily identifiable by its complete black pigmentation and robust beak. Characteristic tail is rather short, ending in a shape close to a square when not in flight. In flight, the wings take a broad, fingered yet rounded shape. This species is noticeably larger compared to other members of the blackbird family.
Male vs female
Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they share similar appearances. Both sexes show the same strong all-black coloration from beak to feet and also share the same size, making it difficult to differentiate between them based on visual characteristics alone. They are both larger than other members of the blackbird family.
Juvenile
Juvenile crows bear a resemblance to the adults but can be identified by their slightly different voices and shapes. However, as they mature, these differences become less recognizable, and they assume full characteristics of the adults.
Size
16.9 - 20.9 in/11.1 - 20.3 oz
There's more to learn about American Crow
View full detailsHow to tell the Common Raven from the American Crow
Visual differences
The Common Raven (23-27 inches) is generally larger than the American Crow (17-21 inches). Ravens have a wedge-shaped tail and long, narrow wings with fingered tips, whereas crows have a squared tail and broader, rounded wings. Ravens have distinctive shaggy throat feathers (hackles) and a thicker beak compared to the crow's more slender, robust beak. Both birds are entirely black, but ravens appear glossier. Juvenile ravens are more slender and lack neck shagginess initially.
Key differences and behavior
Common Ravens (Corvus corax) and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are both intelligent with distinct behaviors and habitats. Ravens are acrobatic fliers, known for soaring and mimicking while crows master tool use and often travel in large family groups. Ravens prefer remote habitats like boreal forests and can thrive in extreme climates, whereas crows are adaptable to urban areas, avoiding hot deserts. In diet, both are omnivorous, but ravens often scavenge more, utilizing their capacity to steal food with complex strategies. During breeding, raven pairs are self-sufficient, reusing nests, while crows involve previous offspring in chick rearing for better survival. Ravens' acrobatic courtship contrasts with crows' more subtle signaling. Despite similar black plumage, behavioral cues provide field differentiation between these birds.
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