Common Raven

Corvus corax

Permanent resident throughout most of th… Extremely adaptable, found in coniferous… Common Croak

Learn to identify the Common Raven by ear. Master the "crrruk" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“crrruk”

What the Common Raven sounds like

The Common Raven is a massive, all-black bird with a thick neck, shaggy throat feathers, and a Bowie knife of a beak. In flight, ravens have long, wedge-shaped tails. They're more slender than crows, with longer, narrower wings, and longer, thinner 'fingers' at the wingtips.

“crrruk”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A deep, resonant croaking sound that carries long distances. Much deeper and more guttural than a crow's caw. Often written as “crrruk”.

Don't confuse with:The American Crow — smaller size with fan-shaped tail

Lessons featuring the Common Raven

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Common Raven's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

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Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes

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Where you'll hear it

Extremely adaptable, found in coniferous and deciduous forests, beaches, mountains, desert, grasslands, agricultural fields, tundra, and around human settlements.

Active year-round during daylight hours, often seen alone or in pairs that stay together year-round.

Similar species

American Crow

Smaller size with fan-shaped tail

Fish Crow

Much smaller with squared tail

Chihuahuan Raven

Slightly smaller with shorter neck feathers

Common Raven song FAQ

What does a Common Raven sound like?

A deep, resonant croaking sound that carries long distances. Much deeper and more guttural than a crow's caw. Listen for the "crrruk" phrase.

How do I tell a Common Raven from a American Crow by sound?

American Crow: Smaller size with fan-shaped tail; Higher-pitched caw rather than deep croak; Usually seen in groups rather than pairs.

When is the best time to hear a Common Raven?

Active year-round during daylight hours, often seen alone or in pairs that stay together year-round.