Facts About Raven

Raven is the common name for several large-bodied members belonging to the Corvus genus. They are large black birds, with a blue-purple tinge to their feathers. While their beak and feet are black in color, the iris of the eye is brown. Young ravens are less glossy than the adults, though they cover up the dullness as they reach maturity. Ravens have pointed and elongated feathers, which impart them a ‘spiky’ appearance when they fluff up. These birds build their nests on cliff ledges and cavities. Though they are mainly scavengers, they can also be effective hunters as and when need arises. They are capable of hunting down prey which may be larger than their size. They are also known as wolf birds, because they help the wolves to lead to their prey and in turn get to feed alongside. This article comes up with interesting and amazing information on ravens. Read on to know more about these birds.

Fast Facts

Scientific Name: Corvus corax

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Corvidae

Genus: Corvus

Subfamily: Corvus (partim)

Species: Corvus corax

Group Name: Flock

Length: 24-27 inches

Weight: 2.3 lbs

Lifespan: 30-50 years

Diet: Fruits, seeds, nuts, fish, carrion, small animals

Habitat: Across the globe

Age of Sexual Maturity: 3 years

Gestation Period: 40 days

Number of Offspring: 4-7

Interesting & Amazing Information On Raven

Raven is the largest bird in the crow family. It has an active flight and the ability to fly high above the trees, unlike other crows. It can perform aerial stunts similar to those displayed by the birds of prey.
These birds have been observed to dig snow to inspect plastic bags and waste, as they also feed on food remains and garbage. This bird species is known to steal food from many birds and mammals, even dogs.
The vocalizations by ravens can express tenderness, surprise, emotion and even rage. This bird species knows how to imitate other birds by producing the same vocal note, mimicking the crows almost perfectly. The penetrating loud croak by the raven indicates that the bird has been disturbed by something.
Ravens display an impressive learning ability and are thus, considered to be the most intelligent of all birds. In some tests, these birds have also surpassed chimpanzees, exhibiting good use of logic for solving problems.
These birds use other animals to do tasks for them. As their beaks cannot open the tough skin of a carcass, they make voices to attract wolves and foxes to the location where they come across a big corpse. They let the large carnivores break the carcass and expose the meat for them.
Raven is depicted as a messenger of storms or bad weather in the Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Semitic and Siberian legends. The bird is prophetic of death in the African, Asian and European legends.
An individual raven or a pair, usually, picks a territory around the nest where it forages for food. The bird remains friendly and unsuspicious when flying within its territory. However, it turns wary and secretive when it is nesting. It also frequents human dwellings where there is a possibility of finding food.
Ravens love to play. These birds are known to play for fun.
Raven is an energetic flier. It can easily somersault in the air and make rolls as well.
These birds are believed to mate for life.
It has been observed that female ravens are quite selective when it comes to their mates. They look for a mate who is not only smart but is also capable to bringing food to the nest.
A group of ravens is often stated as “unkindness" or a "conspiracy".
According to a myth, if all ravens leave the Tower of London, the kingdom of Britain shall fall.
The dialects of ravens differ from location to location.
A Cornish folklore believes that the spirit of King Arthur resides in ravens.
Raven finds mention in the Bible, as the first animal to leave Noah’s Ark, to check if the flood died down.
According to the ancient Irish Celtic legends, ravens were arbitrators between men and Gods.

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