Northern Raven

Overview

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) is a species of Crows, Jays (Corvidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). The largest crow, glossy black with a heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail; among the most intelligent birds, solving puzzles and using tools; pairs mate for life; found from deserts to mountains and Arctic coasts.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Corvus; binomial: Corvus corax; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 54-67cm. Average lifespan: 10-20 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic, Middle America and the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Webb et al. (2011) demonstrate that C. c. principalis interbreeds freely with C. c. sinuatus despite deep mtDNA divergence.