Crows and Ravens have very similar looks, yet, they are different birds. They both belong to the genus Corvus in the Corvidae family, which also includes magpies and jays. They are one of the most intelligent birds and one of the world’s smartest animals.
Crows and ravens likely diverged between two and seven million years ago, which is considered very recent in evolutionary terms.
Below are the common differences between the ravens and crows.
1. Their Sizes
One of the most common differences between the Raven and the Crow is their size, they differ in size. Ravens are larger, often appearing nearly twice the size of crows. An American crow typically measures about 17 inches (43 cm) and looks smaller than a common pigeon. A raven can reach 24-27 inches (61-69 cm) and has a heavier body mass.
2. Their Beak Shape
There is a subtle difference in their beaks. A raven’s bill is thicker and slightly curved. It is made for scavenging larger carcasses or hunting bigger prey. Crows have a slimmer, straighter beak that is shorter overall. It is designed to pick through food sources such as insects, seeds, and fruits.
3. Flight Patterns
Crows flap more often, resulting in quick, choppy wing motions. They rarely aviate for long stretches. Ravens have more graceful flight, with slower wingbeats and extended gliding. Their wingtips may splay out like fingers.
4. Shape Of Their Tails
Crows have square or fan-shaped tails. When they spread their feathers in flight, the tips form a gentle arc. Ravens have a wedge-shaped tail, showing a different point when viewed from below. This feature is easiest to spot when they soar overhead.
5. Habitation
Crows live in diverse settings. They thrive in cities, suburbs, farmland, and forest edges. Their omnivorous diet and clever nature let them forage in trash bins, fields, or woodlands. Large roosts can form in urban areas, where they find ample food sources.
Ravens favor wilder, more harsh environments. They often nest on cliffs, mountains, deserts, and remote coastal areas. They do venture near towns but are less common in dense urban centers. Their stronger flight skills help them range widely across open landscapes.
Meanwhile, in some provinces, crows and ravens convey space, primarily near transitional zones between forests and open fields. Where they overlap, competition for food can occur, though direct clashes are not frequent.
6. Sounds
Both species are articulated, but they sound nonnative. Crows make sharp cawing calls with a higher pitch, sometimes likened to a squawk. Ravens beget deeper croaking sounds, often described as harsh and resonant. Crows tend to call in short bursts, while ravens may include gurgling or knocking tones in their repertoire.
