Crow or Common Raven

[JFG]

Crow or Raven? R5 Mark II RF200-800 F6.3-9 IS USM

Crow or Raven?  Crows are generally smaller with fan-shaped tails and a harsh caw, while ravens are larger, have wedge-shaped tails, and produce a deep croaking sound.  Observing their flight patterns can also help to tell them apart: Crows flip their wings more frequently whereas ravens tend to soar more.  Ravens are often in pairs or family groups while crows form large groups called murders.  Common Ravens prefer forests and mountain areas while American Crows are more adaptable and often found in urban and open spaces.  Both species are highly intelligent, capable of problem solving and recognising human faces.  Ravens ar known for their complex social behaviors, while Crows are known for their ability to use tools.

[TomRamsey]

We have a woods behind the house and a lot of crows, American Crows and Fish Crows.  There is at least a couple Barred Owls in the woods, you can hear them calling often.  And you can sure tell when the crows find them, because they are relentless in harassing the owls.

I was not familiar with fish crows until moving here (SW coastal North Carolina)  They look just like an American Crow, supposed to be a little smaller, but their call is about the only way to tell the difference.

[JFG]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for introducing me to the "Fish Crows" (Corvus ossifragus).  This species habitat is in the eastern seaboard of the United States from Rhode Island south to Key West, and west along the northern coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.  In California, where I live, we have lots of murders of American Crows and we also have Ravens.  When they're in flight I can tell them apart by the shape of the tail.  Ravens have wedge-shaped tails with longer middle feathers, while crows have fan-shaped tails where the feathers are mostly the same length.  Both are very intelligent and remember faces for life.  If one treats them badly, they will remember the individual who have been mean to them and may hold grudges against those people. They can recognize faces and even pass this information on to others, allowing them to react negatively to those they associate with bad experiences.  So be nice to CrowsandRavens.  😉

[TomRamsey]

Beware the blackbirds, at least be nice to them.  The only time I've seen ravens (at least that I knew about) was at the Tower of London where they have celebrity status. I was very respectful.