Common Raven
Learn to identify the Common Raven by ear. Master the "crrruk" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Common Raven sounds like
A deep, resonant croaking sound that carries long distances. Much deeper and more guttural than a crow's caw.
How to tell it apart
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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Where you'll hear it
Permanent resident throughout most of their range.
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.
How to recognize it by sight
A Common Raven is much larger and heavier than a crow, with a thick neck, shaggy throat, and hefty bill. In flight, proportionally longer, narrower wings and a wedge-shaped tail give it a stretched-out profile.
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