Australian Crow vs Common Raven

Australian Crow

Corvus

How to recognise an Australian crow?

General appearance

Australian crows are large, robust birds, often mistaken for ravens due to their pitch-black feathers which display a slightly glossy sheen. White patches of feathers are rare but can occur. They have solid muscular legs and stout black beaks.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism in the Australian crow species making it hard to differentiate between males and females. Size tends not to be a reliable indicator of sex, as both are generally of similar size. However, vocalizations can be a good hint since females generally have higher-pitched calls than males.

Juvenile

Juvenile Australian crows resemble adults in their dark feather coloration yet are slightly smaller in size. Their eyes gradually change color from blue or grey in fledglings to the adult crow's characteristic white as they mature.

Size

16.9 - 21.3 in/9.9 - 28.9 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Australian crow primarily inhabits woodlands, forests, and suburban areas throughout Australia.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, it’s also found in drier areas like deserts, adapting well to various climates from tropical to temperate.

Range Map

What do Australian crows like to eat?

Natural diet

Australian crows have an omnivorous diet. They consume a variety of foods including insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, and carrion. They are known for their adaptability and can eat almost anything available in their environment, including roadkill or leftovers from other animals.

Bird feeders

While crows are not common visitors to typical bird feeders, they may occasionally be attracted to those offering larger food items. Crows may eat suet, peanuts, or sunflower seeds if easily accessible. Their preference for more substantial food means they are less frequent at feeders designed for smaller birds.

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Common Raven

Corvus corax

Also known as: Western Raven, Northern Raven

How to recognise a common 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

Habitat

Primary habitat

The common raven predominantly resides in boreal and mountain forests, tundra, and on coastal cliffs. It often chooses heavily forested regions as its habitat.

Additional range

In addition to its primary habitats, the common raven can survive in extreme climates, ranging from the tundra above the Arctic Circle to the hot desert areas of the southwest. Surprisingly, it may also inhabit prairies, provided there are suitable nest sites, like cliffs, nearby.

Range Map

What do common ravens like to eat?

Natural diet

Common ravens are omnivorous and have a diverse and adaptable diet primarily consisting of animal matter. They feed on a variety of insects such as beetles and caterpillars, small rodents, lizards, frogs, and the eggs and young of other birds. Ravens also consume carrion and can often be seen scavenging. Additionally, they may eat some plant matter and can adapt to a wide range of available food sources.

Bird feeders

While not typically dependent on bird feeders, common ravens may be attracted to them if they contain food items that resemble their natural diet. They may be drawn to seeds, nuts, suet, and occasionally, other high-calorie offerings that are available at bird feeders, especially in areas where food is scarce.

What does a common raven sound like?

The common raven vocalizes with deep, varied, and guttural croaking sounds. Its calls can mimic a hollow 'wonk-wonk' noise and they tend to follow a simple, flat pattern. Additionally, its calls can sometimes be odd and raucous. Overall, the raven's signature sound can be described as a croak or quack, setting it apart in avian communication.

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Australian Crow

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Common Raven

Australian Crow

Corvus

General appearance

Australian crows are large, robust birds, often mistaken for ravens due to their pitch-black feathers which display a slightly glossy sheen. White patches of feathers are rare but can occur. They have solid muscular legs and stout black beaks.

Male vs female

There is little sexual dimorphism in the Australian crow species making it hard to differentiate between males and females. Size tends not to be a reliable indicator of sex, as both are generally of similar size. However, vocalizations can be a good hint since females generally have higher-pitched calls than males.

Juvenile

Juvenile Australian crows resemble adults in their dark feather coloration yet are slightly smaller in size. Their eyes gradually change color from blue or grey in fledglings to the adult crow's characteristic white as they mature.

Size

16.9 - 21.3 in/9.9 - 28.9 oz

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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

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How to tell the Australian Crow from the Common Raven

Visual differences

The Common Raven is larger, measuring 21-27 inches in length, compared to the Australian Crow's 17-21 inches. Ravens have shaggy throat feathers, distinctive wedge-shaped tails, and long, fingered wings. Their thick bills are noticeable. In contrast, Australian Crows have stout black beaks and a slightly glossy sheen on their entirely black plumage. Ravens are significantly heavier, weighing up to 3.6 lbs compared to crows at up to 1.8 lbs. Juvenile ravens lack adult neck shagginess, while juvenile crows have blue or grey eyes instead of adult white.

Key differences and behavior

Australian Crows and Common Ravens, though both intelligent and omnivorous, exhibit distinct behaviors and habitat preferences. Australian Crows are highly adaptable across varied environments, from woodlands to deserts, while Common Ravens prefer boreal and mountain forests, tundra, and cliffs. Both species engage in advanced courtship, but crows form lifelong pairs, whereas ravens perform aerial displays. Nesting habits differ, with crows using tall trees in both natural and suburban areas, while ravens often choose cliff ledges or coniferous trees. In terms of diet, both feed on diverse food ranging from insects to carrion, but crows are more likely to forage in suburban areas. Ravens display remarkable acrobatics and mimicking abilities, often working in pairs to acquire food.