Common Raven (Corvus corax)

Description: This is the largest member of the crow family. It has a wedge-like tail and is all black. Shaggy throat feathers and a heavy beak distinguish ravens from crows. It has a wide variety of calls including a hoarse croaking noise and a metallic tok. It is also an impressive mimic of other birds' calls.

Range: Widespread in Eurasia, North America and Africa.

Habitat: Found in boreal and mountain forests, coastal cliffs and tundra.

General: Ravens can be seen throughout the Victoria area, and even in the city. They are not as gregarious as crows but will often band together in small groups to steal food, scavenge and raid other nests for young. These are very clever birds. They nest in tall trees and their mating flight is a graceful spectacle of aerial acrobatics. Ravens are very prominent in Aboriginal history, culture and art.

References:

Bovey, Robin, Campbell, Wayne, and Gates, Brian. 1989. Birds of Victoria and Vicinity. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton, Alberta.

Peterson, Roger Tory. 1990. Peterson Field Guides: Western Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, New York.

Udvardy, Miklos D. F. 1994. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Western Region. Chanticlear Press, Inc. New York, New York.

© 2009 Veins of Life Watershed Society / All Rights Reserved / if you wish to use any info for commercial or non commercial usage you must obtain permissions from The Veins of Life Watershed Society