The common raven
(Corvus corax)
also known as the northern raven, is a large all-black passerine bird. Found across the Northern
Hemisphere, it is the most widely distributed of all corvids. There are at least eight subspecies with
little variation in appearance, although recent research has demonstrated significant genetic
differences among populations from various regions. It is one of the two largest corvids, alongside the
thick-billed raven, and is possibly the heaviest passerine bird; at maturity, the common raven averages
63 centimetres (25 inches) in length and 1 .2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) in mass. Common ravens can live
up to 21 years in the wild,[2] a lifespan surpassed among passerines by only a few Australasian
species such as the satin bowerbird[3] and probably the lyrebirds. Young birds may travel in flocks but
later mate for life, with each mated pair defending a territory.
Common ravens have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and in some areas have been so
numerous that people have regarded them as pests. Part of their success as a species is due to their
omnivorous diet; they are extremely versatile and opportuni stic in finding sources of nutrition, feeding
on carrion, insects, cereal grains, berries, fruit, small animals, and food waste.
Some notable feats of problem-solving provide evidence that the common raven is unusually
intelligent.[4] Over the centuries, it has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art, and literature. In
many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan,
the northwest coast of North America, and Siberia and northeast Asia, the common raven has been
revered as a spiritual figure or god.[5
Description:
For physiology, see Common raven physiology.
In sunlight, the plumage can display a blue or purple sheen which is a result of iridescence.
A mature common raven ranges between 54 and 67 cm (21 " and 26") long, with a wingspan of 11 5 to
1 50 cm (45–51 ").[28][29][30][31 ] Recorded weights range from 0.69 to 2 kg (1 .5 to 4.4 lb),[32][33] thus
making the common raven one of the heaviest passerines. Birds from colder regions such as the