Ravens of the RE/)LM

R/)VEN§
of the RE/)LM

Family: Corvidae (crows)
Order: Passeriforms (Passerine is the common name for perching birds)
Genus: Corvus
Species: corax (common raven), nuficollis (brown-necked raven), cryptoleucus (chihuahuan raven), coronoides (Australian raven), etc.... There are 10 species of ravens currently recognised.

Distribution:
Mostly found throughout the northern hemisphere from the high arctic islands of Canada to the deserts of North Africa.

  • Australian Raven found in Australia
  • Chihuahuan Raven found in Mexico and Southwestern USA
  • Brown-Necked Raven found in North Africa east to the Middle East
  • The Common Raven is the most widely distributed

    Discription:

  • Size
    The ravens are the largest of all songbirds attaining a length of more than 60cm (24in). The chihuahuan ravens are one of the smallest species of these birds.

  • Colour
    Satiny black feathers with a metallic bluish sheen. Strong black beaks and feet. The eyes are whitish in adults and brown in juveniles. The concealed bases of the neck feathers of the chihuahuan ravens are white.

    Physical Traits
    Raven's have a wedge-shaped tail; a long, powerful and slightly hooked beak; and strong feet.

    Characteristics
    This is an inteligent, social and highly adaptable bird (some of the reasons why it has long been a subject of legend and folklore)

    Nesting
    As with other birds they breed during spring. They nest on cliffs or high trees (usually at least 10 meters off the ground). The females lay 4 to 8 spotted light-blue eggs in a cluth and both parents feed the young. Raven's mate for life and their breeding age is about 3 years.

    Diet
    Generally raven's are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruit, small birds and mammals,insects, and even carrion. They are also adapt at opening parcels of food or rubbish, and rob the nests of smaller birds.

    Links:

  • ASCAR - The American Society of Crows And Ravens
  • Morningstar Totem Animal Medicines - Information on crows and raven as Native American totems.
  • Shades of Night - A really good site with some great photos, and a host of other bits and pieces.
  • Crows Mailing List

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