adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2006-03-18)


Northern Raven
Corvus corax

Native Range: North America, Middle America, and Eurasia

Notes: ravens are the largest species in the order Passeriformes, which constitute about 60% of the world's living birds; wedge-shaped tail and heavy bill help to distinguish this species from smaller crows; prefers remote areas such as seacoast and mountains; nests in stick nests often nestled on cliffs.

flight silhouette; note wedge-shaped tail (California, USA; 2006-09-17)
shaggy throat feathers, heavy bill (California, USA; 2006-10-04)

soars with wedge-shaped tail and long wings (California, USA; 2006-03-18)
sturdy legs and feet; shaggy throat (California, USA; 2006-03-18)
size and shape comparison with smaller crow (California, USA; 2006-03-18)
on stick nest with chick, on cliff (California, USA; 2011-04-24)

mobbing Red-tailed Hawk (California, USA; 2007-04-15)
posing for portrait; note 'hairy' base of bill (California, USA; 2006-03-18)