Birds diurnal

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Witness the genius of the avian world. The Common Raven is a massive, soulful mastermind that brings a touch of wild mystery and incredible intelligence to your backyard.

2 Sightings

2 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 54-67 cm (21-26 in); Wingspan: 115-150 cm (45-59 in); Weight: 0.69-2 kg (1.5-4.4 lbs)

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Colors

Uniformly iridescent black plumage; thick black bill; dark brown or black eyes.

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Key Features

Massive, heavy black bill with a slight curve
Shaggy throat feathers known as 'hackles'
Wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail visible in flight
Large size, roughly twice the bulk of an American Crow

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Opportunistic omnivores that scavenge carrion, hunt small mammals and insects, and forage for grains, berries, and human food scraps.

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Habitat Highly adaptable; found in coniferous forests, coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, and increasingly in suburban areas with large trees.

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Behavior

Common Ravens are widely considered among the most intelligent animals on Earth. They exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills, capable of using tools and even playing 'pranks' on other animals. Unlike their more social crow cousins, ravens are often found in mated pairs that defend large territories, though young, 'unmarried' ravens will form roaming nomadic flocks. They are highly vocal, possessing a repertoire of over 30 distinct types of vocalizations, ranging from deep, resonant croaks to melodic warbles and uncanny mimicry of human speech or machinery.

In the backyard, a raven is a cautious but curious visitor. They are incredibly wary of new objects (a trait known as neophobia), meaning they may watch your camera for days before approaching. Once comfortable, they demonstrate complex social hierarchies and playful maneuvers, such as mid-air rolls or sliding down snowy rooftops just for the fun of it. Their presence often signals a healthy ecosystem, as they are expert scavengers and keen observers of other predators.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Common Raven on camera requires more patience and strategy than almost any other backyard bird. Because ravens are extremely 'neophobic,' they are naturally suspicious of new gadgets appearing in their environment. To successfully film them, mount your camera and leave it in place for at least a week without moving it. Use natural camouflage like burlap or local foliage to break up the camera's silhouette, ensuring the lens and PIR sensor remain unobstructed. Avoid frequent visits to the camera site, as ravens are excellent at recognizing individual humans and may associate your presence with a 'trap' or disturbance.

For placement, ravens prefer high-visibility 'landing pads.' If you have a large backyard, a fence post or a tall, sturdy branch overlooking an open area is ideal. Unlike smaller songbirds that flit through dense brush, ravens need space to maneuver their large wingspans. If you are placing a camera on the ground, ensure it is angled upward to capture their full height. Because they are heavy birds, a ground-level camera near a consistent food source like a suet block or a pile of unsalted peanuts is a great way to get close-up shots of their powerful beaks and shaggy throat hackles.

Settings are crucial for these fast-moving, dark-colored birds. Ravens can 'wash out' into a featureless black blob in bright direct sunlight or become grainy in low light. Set your camera to a high trigger speed (0.3s or faster) and prioritize video mode with a 15-30 second duration. This allows you to witness their complex social behaviors and hear their unique vocalizations, which are just as fascinating as their appearance. If your camera has a 'time-lapse' mode, consider using it during the morning hours to see how they scout an area before landing.

Finally, consider the season. During winter, ravens are much more likely to visit backyard stations in search of high-fat food. High-energy suet or raw meat scraps (where legal and safe from pets) can act as a powerful lure during lean months. In the spring, they may be seen carrying nesting materials or large food items back to their brood. Always ensure your bait is secured; a raven is smart enough to fly away with an entire suet cage if it isn't locked down!

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Common Raven.

American Crow

Smaller with a thinner bill, fan-shaped tail, and a higher-pitched 'caw' vocalization.

Chihuahuan Raven

Nearly identical but smaller, found primarily in the arid Southwest, and has white bases on its neck feathers.

Fish Crow

Much smaller and found near water; distinguished by its nasal, two-note 'uh-huh' call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Ravens are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They are most frequently seen foraging in the early morning shortly after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before they head to their communal or territorial roosts.

Attracting ravens requires open space and high-energy food rewards. They are drawn to large platforms or ground feeding areas stocked with suet, unsalted peanuts, or meat scraps. However, their natural wariness means you must provide a quiet environment with minimal human traffic.

As opportunistic omnivores, their diet is incredibly varied. In the wild, they eat carrion, small rodents, eggs, and insects. In more settled areas, they will happily consume birdseed, fruits, nuts, and even discarded human food. They are also known to 'cache' or hide food to eat later.

While traditionally birds of the wilderness and mountains, Common Ravens have significantly expanded their range into suburban and even urban environments over the last few decades. They are increasingly common in suburbs that feature large trees for nesting and easy access to food sources.

Size is the first giveaway; ravens are much larger, closer to a hawk's size. Look for the raven's heavy, curved bill and the 'hackles' (shaggy feathers) on its throat. In flight, a raven has a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, while a crow's tail is fan-shaped or squared off.

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