The Difference Between Ravens and Crows

"Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore'". "What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.", but is a raven a crow? No, there are differences. While ravens are part of the crow family, all crows are not ravens.

The first difference is in size. A crow will average 17 inches in length with a wing span of about 2 feet 6 inches while a raven averages 25 inches in length with a wing span that ranges from 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet. The average raven will also weigh four times more than the average crow.

Raven's wings are pointed while the crow's wings are more blunt and splayed. The crow has a fan shaped tail, a raven's is longer and wedged in shape. A raven's bill is bigger and more powerful than a crow's and has a cured shape while the crow's bill is somewhat flatter. More notably, the raven has a tuft on top of the bill that a crow does not have.

Crows have managed to adapt and survive better over the years and the raven population has declined. Ravens have a habit of reusing their old nests which has made them more susceptible to destruction. Ravens also feed on carrion more than crows which over the years has lessened in supply. Added to that poisoned carrion, be it from wolves or rodents, also poisons the bird. The raven is more of a scavenger while the crow will dine on worms and caterpillars.

Ravens are more skillful in flight and can be seen to perform aerial acrobatics. They are known for rolls, flips, dives and loops in flight. Crows are also skillful but not as likely to soar in the air and are more likely to flap in flight.

Crows are a more sociable bird than ravens and are at home in more urban environments. Crows will set up housekeeping in larger cities with large buildings. Ravens prefer a more wild environment and when found in larger city areas they will make their homes in parks or natural space areas. Crows are said to have about two dozen different calls while ravens have from twenty to one hundred different sounds. While both ravens and crows can imitate other sounds the raven is considered to be among the most intelligent of birds.

If you hear a familiar "caw" overhead chances are you will see a crow. If you hear a higher "hah" sound you are more likely observing a raven. Of course, if you should hear "nevermore"......sorry, you are on your own.

Quotes from:

THE RAVEN by Edgar Allen Poe

Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare