American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Comparison of American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Common Raven (Corvus corax): Both are in the Corvid (Corvidae) family and highly intelligent. Crow is smaller 45cm (17 inches) long; Raven is up to 61cm (24 inches) long. Raven rides the thermals and soars, whereas crow does more flapping. Raven tail resembles a wedge, compared to the rounded fan-like shape of the crow. Crow tail feathers are the same length, so when the bird spreads its tail, it opens like a fan. Raven has longer middle feathers in the tail, so tail appears wedge-shaped (pointed) when open. Crow walks… Raven has a 2-footed hop. Raven has a long, heavy bill. Upper half of bill slopes more downward than a crow bill. Ravens tend to be solitary or in pairs. Crows prefer flocks of 2+ individuals.
Raven call sounds like a drawn out croak, whereas crow make a "cah, cah" sound.
Sample sound recordings of both:
Xeno-canto Bird songs, sound recordings, and species range map:
Crow: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Corvus-brachyrhynchos
Raven: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Corvus-corax
Flight silhouette comparisons of Raven and Crow, and more: http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/crow_vs_raven.html
How to Tell a Raven From a Crow, ID Tips: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-raven-crow
E Bird https://ebird.org/explore and
Crow: https://ebird.org/species/amecro/
Raven: https://ebird.org/species/comrav/
Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Crow: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-crow
Raven: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-raven
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, ed. Jon L. Dunn, 2017, pp. 372-373.
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America, ed. Jon L. Dunn, 2008, pp. 284-285.
Ravens appear to have a courtship "dance." Link to a dance observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147242825#activity_comment_3abd488c-fff2-49fb-921f-7f2d4f95a83a
Merlin Bird ID (great app available for Iphones) by The Cornell Lab (Bird ID help for 8,500+ species) https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Comprehensive Feather I.D. tools and more: https://foundfeathers.org/resources/
Found Feathers (Worldwide): https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/idtool.php
Bette Davis Picnic Area
Not ready for this shot but off in the distance these ravens were harassing this hawk
Bette Davis Picnic Area
Could I get a more OOF shot??
Bette Davis Picnic Area
Bette Davis Picnic Area