Ravens Vs Crows : What are the Differences between them?

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Crows and Ravens are common birds which are known to most of us. Though both of these birds look similar, they have lot of differences in their physical characters, behaviors and habitats. Ravens belong to the family of Corvidae. The family also covers other species of birds like jays, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, rooks and choughs.

What is a Raven?

Ravens are one of the most playful birds. They are well known for their intelligence and cunning activities. Ravens are found across the world. However, Ravens are said to have evolved in Central Asia and migrated to Europe and Australia. A fully matured raven can be up to 64 cm in height and weigh anywhere between 1.5 to 2 kg. Their wing span is 122 cm, similar to a hawk. Ravens can be very long-lived (up to 40 years). These birds prefer a private life and hence found living in woods, hills, valleys, and solitary areas. Ravens are omnivorous and prefer to feed more on the sheep carrions. Their feathers are shiny with a tint of purple. The tail has triangular shape. A Raven has a curved and powerful beak. They prefer living in extended families where matured birds help parents feed young ones; they are also said to care for older birds. Ancient Chinese considered the Raven to be connected with the Sun. A Raven has a unique capability to imitate certain sounds.

What is a Crow?

Crows belong to the family of Corvidae. They are found in all neighboring places, gardens, electric lines and highly bustling places. Crows are said to have evolved in Asia. Though omnivorous, Crows prefer to hunt in groups for fruits, eggs, nestlings, vegetables, nuts, frogs, earthworms, mollusks, seeds, carrion and mice. A full-grown Crow’s height ranges up to 46 cm. Their wings span 91 cm, similar to a pigeon. They have plain black feathers with grey markings. Crows normally nest once a year but in some parts of South America, they are known to nest twice a year. Crows prefer staying in big groups of 5 to 15 birds. A group of Crows is called a "murder" because the group always kills a dying crow. Crows score very highly on the avian IQ scale. In the United States, Crow hunting is considered legal if they are causing a nuisance or health hazard.

How to differentiate between a Crow and a Raven?

Physical Features: Ravens are bigger than Crows. The beak of a Crow is thicker than that of a Raven. A Raven has a curved beak that makes it more powerful, whereas, the crow has a sort of flattened beak. Ravens have shiny black feathers with a tint of purple, whereas, Crows have plain dark feathers with grey markings on them. A crow's cry is more irritating than that of Ravens.

• Life Span: The life spans of Ravens are longer than Crows. A Raven can live up to 30 years whereas a crow has a life span of about 8 years.
• Hunting Habit: Ravens hunt solitarily and mostly feed on carrions. Crows normally scavenge on vegetables and fruits and hunt for its prey or food in groups. They are both herbivores and omnivorous.

What are the different species of Crows and Ravens?

There are over 31 species of crows found all over the world.  Most common species are American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), North American Crow (Corvus corax), Hooded Crow (C. cornix), Carrion Crow (C. corone), Jackdaw (C. monedula), and Rook (C. frugilegus). 

Most common species of Ravens are White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis),

Common Raven (Corvus corax), Australian Raven(Corvus coronoides), Thick-billed Raven (Corvus crassirostris), Dwarf Raven(Corvus edithae), Chihuahuan Raven(Corvus cryptoleucus), Little Raven(Corvus mellori), Fan-tailed Raven (Corvus rhipidurus), Brown-necked Raven(Corvus ruficollis), Relict Raven (Corvus. t. boreus) and Forest Raven(Corvus tasmanicus).

For more information on related topics, click on the links below:

The Origin of Birds

The Bird That Never Dies 

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