Corvus
corax
(Common
Raven)
Physical
Description:
21 1/2-27"
(55-69 cm). A large, all black bird with a large bill, long wings, and long,
wedge-shaped tail.
Similar Species- Chihuahuan Raven, American Crow
Song:
A
loud, low, croaking krock.
Distribution:
Resident
from northernmost North America, south to southern Baja California, Nicaragua,
and Texas. Also resident east of Rockies from southern Saskatchewan, northeastern
Minnesota, northern Michigan, and northern New England, south to Appalachians
and (locally) northern Georgia.
Habitat:
Found in various
situations from lowlands to mountains, open country to forested regions, and
humid regions to deserts, but found most frequently in hilly or mountainous
areas, especially in vicinity of cliffs.
Diet:
Opportunistic; commonly eats
birds' eggs and young rodents, some fruits, cereal grains, and insects. In some
areas, species is largely a scavenger on various animals.
Ecology:
Builds cup-shaped
nest in tree, on cliff, or on human-built structure. Forages on ground. Caches
food. May hunt in groups.
roosts communally in winter.
Southwestern Idaho study found ravens spent 54% of day in agricultural land,
23% in shrub, 13% in grass, and 6% in riparian habitat.
Reproduction:
Female incubates 3-7 eggs (usually 3-6),
for 18-21 days. Male feeds female during incubation. Young are tended by both
parents, and leave nest in 5-6 wk.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPAV10110 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5 |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
Engel, K.A.
and L.S. Young. 1992. Movements and habitat use by common ravens from roost
sites in southwestern Idaho. J. Wildl. Manage. 56:596-602.