RAVEN BIRD

**Common Raven ( _Corvus corax _) – The “Vogel Korp” (Raven Bird)

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Introduction
The *_Common Raven (_Corvus corax)__ is one of the largest and most widespread passerine birds, often simply called the *Raven*. In several European languages it’s known colloquially as “Vogel Korp” (German/Dutch for “Raven Bird”). Revered in mythology and admired for its intelligence, the raven is a master of adaptability, thriving from Arctic tundra to desert cliffs.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* *Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758
- *Family:* Corvidae (crows, jays, magpies)
- *Genus:* _Corvus_ – includes crows, rooks, jackdaws.
- *Subspecies:* 8–11 recognized (e.g., _C. c. corax_ – Eurasian, _C. c. principalus_ – North American).
- *Etymology:* Latin _corvus_ = “raven”; _corax_ from Greek _κόραξ_ (kórax), also meaning raven.

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Description
- *Size:* 54–67 cm (21–26 in) length; wingspan 115–150 cm (45–59 in).
- *Weight:* 0.7–1.7 kg (1.5–3.7 lb).
- *Plumage:* All‑black with iridescent sheen (purple/blue in sunlight).
- *Bill:* Massive, curved, black; throat feathers often shaggy (throat “hackles”).
- *Tail:* Wedge‑shaped (distinct from rounded crow tail).
- *Voice:* Deep, resonant *“pronk‑pronk”* or guttural *“kraa‑kraa”*. Can mimic human speech and other sounds.
- *Sexes:* Similar in appearance; males slightly larger.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Range:* *Holarctic* – across North America, Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Siberia, and parts of China.
- *Habitat:* Highly versatile – coastal cliffs, mountain crags, boreal forests, deserts, tundra, and urban areas (city parks, landfills). Requires cliffs or tall structures for nesting and open space for foraging.

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Behaviour & Ecology
Diet
- *Omnivorous opportunists:* Carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, berries, seeds, garbage.
- *Caching:* Hides surplus food under soil, snow, or debris; remembers locations for months.

Social Structure
- *Pair bonds:* Lifelong monogamy; both parents care for young.
- *Territorial:* Defend nesting area vigorously; non‑breeding birds form loose flocks.

Breeding
- *Season:* Early Feb–May (varies by latitude).
- *Nest:* Large platform of sticks, twigs, lined with softer material (grass, fur, wool). Usually on cliff ledges, tall trees, or man‑made structures (bridges, towers).
- *Clutch:* 3–7 green‑blish, brown‑spotted eggs.
- *Incubation:* 21 days (female).
- *Fledging:* 35–42 days; juveniles stay with parents 5–6 months.

Intelligence
- *Problem solving:* Uses tools (sticks) to retrieve food; solves multi‑step puzzles.
- *Memory:* Caches up to 100 locations; can remember after 9 months.
- *Communication:* Complex vocal repertoire; can mimic human words, car alarms, other animals.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Least Concern (2023)* – wide distribution, large population.
- *Threats:*
- *Poisoning* (lead from carcasses, pesticides).
- *Habitat alteration* (loss of cliffs, old‑growth trees).
- *Persecution* (shooting, trapping) in some regions.
- *Protection:* Protected under *Migratory Bird Treaty Act (US)* and *EU Birds Directive*.

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Cultural Significance
- *Mythology:* Sacred to Norse (Odin’s ravens *Huginn & Muninn*), Celtic (Morrigan), Greek (Apollo).
- *Literature:* Poe’s “The Raven”, Native American trickster stories.
- *Symbolism:* Often represents intelligence, mystery, death, or prophecy.

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Quick Reference Table
Feature Detail
Length 54–67 cm (21–26 in)
Wingspan 115–150 cm (45–59 in)
Weight 0.7–1.7 kg (1.5–3.7 lb)
Lifespan (wild) 10–15 yr (max 23 yr)
Diet Omnivorous – carrion, insects, berries, garbage
Nest Sticks on cliffs/trees/structures
Clutch 3–7 eggs
IUCN Status Least Concern
Notable trait Tool use, vocal mimicry
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*≈ 510 words*

Sources: _Handbook of the Birds of the World_, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, IUCN Red List.