It’s a classic birdwatching conundrum: is it a crow or a raven? The question pops up frequently, whether in emails, social media comments, or during birding expeditions. These intelligent, black-feathered birds often get mistaken for one another, and it’s easy to see why. They share similar coloring, habitats, and even belong to the same family, Corvidae. However, upon closer inspection, several key differences emerge that can help you confidently distinguish between a crow and a raven.
This guide will delve into the fascinating distinctions between these two corvid species. Drawing from extensive observations and reliable resources, we’ll explore how to tell them apart by focusing on crucial characteristics. Let’s unravel the mystery and equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify these captivating birds.
One of the most immediate clues lies in their physical appearance, particularly when viewed side-by-side. As highlighted in the images above, showcasing both a crow and a raven in similar profile poses against a red backdrop, certain features become strikingly apparent. Notice the beak of the raven; it’s significantly more substantial and heavier-looking than the crow’s beak. Additionally, the raven boasts a remarkable display of throat feathers, adding to its distinct profile.
While there are numerous excellent resources available to aid in differentiating between ravens and crows, this article primarily draws upon personal observations accumulated over a decade of dedicated corvid watching. Let’s explore these distinguishing features in detail.
Tail Shape in Flight: Diamond vs. Fan
When observing these birds in flight, pay close attention to the shape of their tails. This is a crucial visual cue, especially when you only catch a fleeting glimpse.
A raven’s tail feathers form a distinctive diamond shape, or wedge shape, in flight. Imagine a pointed diamond kite tail – that’s the silhouette you’re looking for. This shape is created by the central tail feathers being longer than the outer ones.
In contrast, a crow’s tail presents a flatter, fan-shaped appearance, or a more squared-off edge. Think of a hand-held fan fully opened; the feathers are more uniform in length, creating a straighter edge.
Another flight-related difference lies in their typical flight style. Ravens are often seen soaring effortlessly, utilizing air currents for long glides. They are masters of aerial maneuvering, frequently taking advantage of thermals and wind. Crows, while capable fliers, tend to rely more on flapping their wings for propulsion, resulting in a more direct, less gliding flight pattern. However, it’s worth noting that crows are also known to enjoy windy conditions, sometimes playfully riding gusts of wind in an almost roller-coaster-like fashion.
Throat Feathers: The Shaggy Raven vs. Smooth Crow
As previously mentioned, ravens are distinguished by their prominent and shaggy throat feathers. These feathers create a ruffled or beard-like appearance, often described as a “cravat” or “hackles.” This feature is particularly noticeable when viewed in profile.
Crows, while undeniably magnificent birds in their own right, possess smoother throat feathers. Their throat area appears sleeker and less bushy compared to the raven’s. While crows can fluff up their feathers, including their throat feathers, as part of grooming or display, they generally lack the naturally shaggy appearance characteristic of ravens.
Relative Size: Raven – Larger, Crow – Smaller
Size is another differentiating factor, although it can be challenging to judge accurately in the field unless you have a clear size reference or see both birds in close proximity.
Ravens are significantly larger than crows. Measurements indicate that ravens can reach up to 67 cm (approximately 26 inches) in length with a wingspan extending up to 130 cm (around 51 inches). Crows, their smaller cousins, typically measure around 46 cm (about 18 inches) in length and possess a wingspan of approximately 95 cm (roughly 36 inches).
Unless you happen to observe a crow and a raven perched side-by-side at an equal distance, judging size alone can be unreliable. However, when size differences are observable, they can be a helpful identification tool.
Behavior: Mobbing and Nest Raiding
Behavioral cues can also aid in distinguishing between crows and ravens. One notable difference is in their interactions with each other.
If you witness a larger black corvid being aggressively pursued and harassed by one or more smaller black birds, it’s highly likely that the larger bird is a raven being mobbed by crows. Crows are known to engage in mobbing behavior, collectively harassing larger birds of prey or, in this case, ravens, to drive them away from their territory.
Despite their shared family lineage, ravens are known to prey on crow nests, consuming eggs and nestlings. This predatory behavior places ravens firmly on the crows’ list of unwelcome neighbors, alongside eagles, hawks, raccoons, and other potential threats.
Social Dynamics: Territory and Roosting
Both crows and ravens typically form monogamous pair bonds, mating for life. These pairs establish territories and exhibit different social behaviors.
Raven pairs tend to have larger territories compared to crows, often encompassing several square miles. Crow pairs in urban environments often claim smaller territories, perhaps half a city block, which they defend against other crows. They are territorial during the day, actively chasing away intruding crows.
Interestingly, while territorial during the day, crows exhibit communal roosting behavior at night, particularly in urban settings. As dusk approaches, crows gather in increasingly large flocks, sometimes forming what appears like a “river of crows” in the sky as they converge upon communal roosting sites. These roosts can house thousands of birds and serve as a nightly gathering place for safety and social interaction. The Still Creek roost in Burnaby, Vancouver, is a well-known example, functioning as a crow meeting place since the 1970s.
Ravens, in contrast, do not typically form large communal roosts in the same way as crows, at least not in urban areas like Vancouver. However, they are known to congregate in larger numbers when a plentiful food source is available. Ski hill parking lots, for example, can attract gatherings of ravens, especially on busy days when food scraps are readily available. These raven gatherings, while smaller than crow roosts, appear to serve a social function, providing opportunities for interaction and even play, such as documented instances of ravens playing with snowballs.
Sounds: Caw vs. Croak and Beyond
Perhaps the most straightforward method for distinguishing between crows and ravens is by listening to their vocalizations. Their calls are distinctly different.
Crows are famous for their characteristic “caw” sound – a loud, sharp, and familiar call. Ravens, on the other hand, produce a deeper, more resonant “croak.” However, these descriptions are simplifications of their complex vocal repertoires. Both species possess a range of calls and vocalizations.
Here are some examples to help differentiate their sounds:
Crow Alarm Call
This is a common call you’ll likely hear in urban environments. It’s often used to signal danger or express displeasure, as in this example of crows reacting to a cat on a deck.
Crow “Rattle” Call
This is a softer, more subtle crow vocalization, often used in more intimate communication. It’s less frequently heard than the typical “caw.”
Raven Call
This is the classic raven “croak,” a deep, guttural sound that is frequently heard in both urban and mountainous regions.
Raven Knocking Call
This beautiful and less common raven call is more melodic and subtle, resembling the sound of water droplets or tapping on a hollow bamboo tube.
For a deeper dive into raven vocalizations, explore resources like “When The Raven Knocks.”
Raven Recitation
Ravens possess remarkably complex vocal abilities, capable of producing a wide array of sounds. This clip showcases a raven seemingly performing a “jazz concert” of subtle and varied vocalizations, demonstrating the sophistication of corvid communication.
Attitude and Intelligence: Shared Traits
When it comes to intelligence and attitude, crows and ravens share remarkable similarities. Both species are highly intelligent birds, exhibiting complex problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a noticeable level of awareness.
You can almost perceive the gears turning in their minds as they assess situations, calculate risks and benefits, and interact with their environment, particularly when observing their interactions with humans. This intelligence and cunning are likely why both crows and ravens frequently feature as tricksters and intelligent characters in folklore and legends across cultures.
Further Resources for Corvid Enthusiasts
To deepen your understanding of crows and ravens, explore these excellent resources:
Kaeli Swift – Corvid Research
Kaeli Swift’s blog, Corvid Research, is a treasure trove of information about all things corvid. She covers an extensive range of topics related to crows, ravens, and their relatives. You can also follow her on social media and participate in her engaging weekly Crow or No? identification challenges.
John Marzluff
John Marzluff’s books, In The Company of Crows and Ravens and Gifts of the Crows, are rich with fascinating insights into the lives and behaviors of these remarkable birds.
Bernd Heinrich
For in-depth studies on raven behavior, delve into Bernd Heinrich’s works, Ravens in Winter and Mind of the Raven.
Online Resources
Audubon: How to Tell a Raven From a Crow
Cornell University Birdlab : Crows and Ravens by Kevin McGowan
Related Articles
Vancouver’s Urban Ravens
Crow Gifts of All Kinds
The Colour of Crows
Edgar Allen Poe and the Raven Mix-up
Learning to Speak Raven
By considering these key differences – tail shape, throat feathers, size, behavior, and vocalizations – you’ll be well-equipped to confidently distinguish between crows and ravens. With practice and observation, you’ll become adept at identifying these intelligent and captivating birds in your own backyard and beyond.
