Raven Identification Guide

Raven

Key facts

Scientific name: Corvus corax
Status: Resident breeding species

Breeding pairs: 7,400

Conservation status: Green
Length: 58 – 70 cm
Wingspan: 116 – 118 cm
Weight: 680 – 2000 g

What do ravens look like?

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How do ravens breed?

Ravens nest in cliffs or tall trees. The nest is bulky and made from sticks, reeds and decayed leaves and grasses lined with twigs, wool, fur, paper and other soft materials.

Ravens lay between 3 and 7 pale blue-green or olive-green eggs flecked with darker brown. They are incubated for 18-21 days by the female who is fed by the male. Chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents and leave the nest 5-7 weeks after hatching although they may be cared for by they parents for longer.

What do ravens eat?

Ravens eat mainly carrion but also amphibians, small birds and reptiles as well as grains, acorns and fruit.

Raven

Where can I see ravens?

Ravens can be seen all year round mainly in the upland areas of south-west England, the north Pennines and Lake District and Scotland.

What do ravens sound like?

José Carlos Sires//xeno-canto

Recommended for you

Britain's Birds

RSPB Handbook Of British Birds

Collins Bird Guide

Did you know?

Ravens can mimic human speech and singing and other birds’ calls and in captivity can learn to talk better than some parrots.

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