Adult in N.M. photo by Ann Womer
Corvus corax is the largest member of the scientific order Passeriformes (the songbirds, such as the Northern Cardinal). At maturity, the Common Raven averages 25 inches in length and 2.6 pounds. They live about 10 to 15 years in the wild, although life spans of up to 40 years in captivity have been recorded. They usually do not breed until they are 2-4 years old and typically mate for life. Pairs stay together year round, roosting near one another at night. Historically, they used cliffs and trees as nesting sites and still do, however, power towers, bridges, and other man-made structures are also used now. Nest sites are often re-used for many years, though nests may be reconstructed or built anew.
Common Ravens aren’t as social as crows; young, unmated birds may travel in loose flocks, but except for landfills or other food bonanzas, you will tend to see them alone or in pairs. Ravens are confident, inquisitive birds that strut about or occasionally bound forward with light, two-footed hops that resemble skipping. In flight they are playful, buoyant and graceful, interspersing soaring, tumbling, gliding, and slow flaps, and usually vocalizing.
Pair in flight
This intriguing bird has done well accompanying people around the Northern Hemisphere for centuries, following their wagons, sleighs and hunting parties in hopes of a quick snack, and more recently by raiding vehicles for goodies and using our landfills and backyards to find a free meal.
Pair in a Colorado campground
They are believed by some to be the smartest of all birds, gaining a reputation for solving very complicated problems invented for them by the creative scientists who study them. If adaptability is any sign of intelligence, then the Common Raven ranks as a superstar: They are found worldwide, thriving from Siberia to North Africa, and in the western hemisphere, from Alaska to Central America. They have proven their ingenuity and survival skills by being the only species of bird found on the Christmas Bird Count in the month of December in Point Barrow Alaska, and it is one of a very few birds that are encountered by climbers up on Mt. Everest.
Pair in Alaska
Being omnivorous, opportunistic feeders has enabled the raven to survive in such diversity of habitat within it’s enormous range worldwide. They take food wherever they find it, and for them that can range from, carrion, reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs and young, insects, plant matter and garbage. Sometimes pairs will actively hunt together where one bird flushes out the prey and other catches it.
Some physical features and behaviors of the Common Ravens will help to keep you from confusing them with crows and the smaller Chihuahuan Raven. Look for the Common Raven's heftier bill, shaggy throat feathers, more slender, pointed wings, and longer, wedge-shaped tail, and listen to the vocalizations. The smaller Chihuahuan Raven found in southern and west Texas has a shorter bill, longer feathers around the bill, and less deep voice. Where these two species overlap, the Chihuahuan Raven tends to be in open areas at lower elevations and the Common Raven in more forested areas at higher elevations.
American Crow 
Common Raven
Unlike crows, Common Ravens also are adept at and take great pleasure in play during flight, rolling and tumbling with one another, particularly during courtship. Another useful behavior clue is this: ravens frequently cruise along roads looking for carrion, often waiting their turn with vultures. Crows don't typically do this, so if you see a bird flying right down the middle of a road, it's probably a raven.
So remember to think about this when viewing these beautiful animals, you’re probably not the only one doing the watching, Ravens are always keen to learn new things and are being just as inquisitive as you are!
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