Bird
Common Raven
The largest songbird in the world; also the most theatrical
Raven Range
The common raven is found year-round throughout most of New England, and their numbers have been steadily increasing. In Maine, they're at home in forests, along the coast, and wherever food is available.
Raven Intelligence
Recent research shows ravens have cognitive abilities on par with dolphins and primates. They perform aerial acrobatics apparently just for fun, can mimic human speech, and have been observed solving problems cooperatively. In Norse mythology, Odin kept two ravens. We understand why.
Quick Facts
Average Size
Ravens measure 23-24 inches long with a 53-inch wingspan and weigh about 2.5 pounds.
What's on the Menu
Insects, rodents, lizards, frogs, eggs, animal carcasses (carrion), and garbage. They stash food for later and have been known to steal from other animals.
The Look
Glossy blue-black plumage, a long powerful beak, stiff shaggy throat feathers, and a long wedge-shaped tail — that last detail is the easiest way to tell them from crows, which have fan-shaped tails.
