This time of year ravens and crows are popular images amongst our Halloween enthusiasts. I had to ask myself “what the heck is the difference between ravens and crows?” Frankly I find both of them to be weird and ominous. Maybe it’s the endearing quality of being omnivorous carnivores, their jet-black little bodies, obnoxious calls, or their ubiquitous presence in horror flicks. Perhaps a little education on the subject will allow me to cut them some slack.
Body Babble:
Ravens and crows look alike and occupy the same areas and are related as well. The two are different species of the same genus. Most ravens are bigger than crows – both in length and weight. Ravens measure about 24 inches – whereas crows are about 17 inches. Ravens are about 2.6 lbs while crows are about 1 lb.
Beak Talk:
A raven’s beak is thicker than a crow’s and also has more of a curve to it. Both have feathers on their beaks – but the raven has a shaggier look. The crow takes some extra care in its appearance and has some nice trim, smooth feathers.
Winging it:
Ravens are up to 54” while the crow’s span is only about 40”. The wing tips of ravens have a finger-like appearance wings as they are flying while the crow has a tighter, shorter and ruffled appearance.
The tail feathers may be the easiest way to differentiate: The raven has a v-shaped tail with slightly pointed feather tips. The crow has a fan-shaped tail with more squared-off feather tips.
What’s on the Menu:
Ravens prefer to feast on small animals – insects, mice, and lizards, and even smaller birds. Carrion and garbage are also acceptable. Crows are fond of seeds and insects, fruits, mice, frogs, earthworms, and also small birds (i.e. eggs, or abandoned birds in nests).
Bold Behavior and Brains:
Ravens and crows have entirely different walks. Ravens walk confidently, sometimes sidling. Crows walk around like most birds – strolling with a little hopping here and there.
Flying behavior is different in that ravens soar and glide through the air – not really moving their wings. While crows frequently flap their wings while flying.
Both are intelligent with problem-solving abilities. Both have good memories. Ravens are playful and cunning. Crows are clever as well with the intellience of 7-10 year-old children – not to mention they can use tools and remember faces!
Ravens are loners compared to crows, who are much more social and commonly travel in groups. They also gang up on predators – even if they are bigger than them.
Ravens like to hang out in less populated areas – grasslands and forests for example. Crows are inclined to live in urban areas, avoiding forests where other larger birds and predators lurk and can attack them.
Bad Luck?
Both have legends and superstitions surrounding them. In mythologies – ravens are often portrayed as messengers (between the living and the dead) or companions, and are also considered omens. They are also associated with Odin – Some native american cultures think of ravens as tricksters and stealers of souls. Crows are also considered tricksters along with being symbols of death and war. In Buddhism they symbolize the earthly form of Mahakala, the protector of righteousness on earth.
– Heather C. Wentworth