Common Raven

The common raven is one of the largest and most widely distributed songbirds in the world, found across the Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic tundra to deserts and mountains, easily distinguished from the smaller American crow by its larger size, heavier bill, shaggy throat feathers and deep, croaking call. It is remarkably intelligent, ranking among the smartest of all birds, and has been observed using tools, solving multi-step problems, and engaging in apparent play behavior such as sliding down snowbanks. Common ravens are opportunistic omnivores that will eat almost anything, from carrion and small animals to insects, grain and human food waste, and they are known to form long-term pair bonds and cooperate in complex social interactions, including apparent deception of rivals over food caches. The species has held deep symbolic and mythological significance across many cultures throughout history, from Norse mythology to Native American folklore.