The RSPB: Raven

Raven

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Latin name

Corvus corax

Family

Crows and allies (Corvidae)

Overview

The raven is a big black bird, a member of the crow family. It is massive, bigger than a buzzard. It is all black with a large bill, and long wings. In flight, it shows a diamond-shaped tail. It breeds in the west and north only. Most birds are residents, but some birds, especially non-breeders and young birds wander from their breeding areas but do not travel far.

Where to see them

Best looked for in upland areas of south-west England, Wales, the north Pennines and Lake District and much of Scotland.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Carrion

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	12,900 pairs	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)