Raven

ravenbg: RavenCOMMON NAME: Raven

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Corvus corax

DESCRIPTION:

Ravens are all black and are 21-27 inches tall with a wing span of 46"-56"; crows are only approximately 19 inches tall. Ravens may form a small loose flock, while crows may have 200 plus birds in a flock. The wedge-shaped tail also identifies it from a crow which has a fan-shaped tail.

Ravens are the largest passerine bird.

The members of the Corvidae family are among the most intelligent of birds. They cannot talk, but can mimic a wide variety of sounds. They are resourceful, quick to learn, and profit from experience.

Ravens mate for life. In courtship displays, the male will fly with wing tips touching the female's. They will dive like a falcon and tumble over and over in the air.

LIFE HISTORY:

Life Span: One Raven is recorded to have lived 24 years, 6 months in captivity.

Incubation: by female March - June while male feeds her on nest.

Clutch Size: 4 - 7 green-gray eggs with brown blotches, incubation +/- 20 days.

Nest: A large bulky nest of sticks and bones with a deep cup lined with grasses, hair, or shreds of bark may be built on cliff face, 45' - 80' tree, or in a saguaro cactus.

ECOLOGY:

Habitat: They are common throughout California in a variety of habitats; mountains, deserts, and coastal areas.

Food:The bill of a raven is long and stout which makes it powerful and multipurpose; they are largely scavengers, eating carrion. They also eat insects, fruits, nuts, and berries. They will cache bits of food to be eaten later.

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