Differentiate Species: Am I Looking at a Crow or a Raven?
Ravens differ from crows in appearance by their larger bill, tail shape, flight pattern and by their large size. Ravens are as big as Red-tailed Hawks, and crows are about the size of pigeons.
The raven is all black, has a 3.5-4 ft wingspan and is around 24-27 inches from head to tail. The crow is also black, has a 2.5 ft wingspan and is about 17 inches long. The raven weighs around 40 oz while the crow is 20 oz - half the weight of a raven.
Ravens soar more than crows. If you see a "crow" soaring for more than a few seconds, take another look - it might be a raven. You may also differentiate them by their tail: ravens have wedge-shaped tails, whereas crows have fan-shaped tails. Common Ravens can do a somersault in flight and even fly upside down. Ravens are longer necked in flight than crows.
Information from NatureMapping Foundation.Diet
| Food Source | Crow | Raven |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts and Seeds | √ | ✗ |
| Fish | √ | √ |
| Berries | √ | √ |
| Nesting Birds | √ | √ |
| Small Mammals | ✗ | √ |
Characteristics shared by both species:
- Glossy black feathers with blue or purple sheen
- Common in the Pacific Northwest
- Among the most intelligent bird species in the world
- Diet includes nesting birds, berries, and fish