Raven

Description:

Raven spotted in the Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. The Raven is the largest species of all the world's songbirds with wingspans of 48" and body lengths of 24".

Habitat:

Ravens are found in almost every biome in North America, Europe, and Asia but tend to avoid large human populations and agricultural lands (environments crows tend to prefer).

Notes:

Ravens are very intelligent and capable birds. Some researchers believe that ravens have a rudimentary language. Ravens have been observed communicating ideas, not only to each other, but also to members of other species. Upon discovering a winter-killed deer, ravens will find a nearby perch and begin squawking, drawing more and more ravens who join the chorus. Eventually, a large predator like a bear will answer the summons. The large predator, being capable of ripping through the dead animal's thick hide, makes the meat and internal organs accessible to the ravens. Yet, instead of graciously waiting their turn at the carcass, the ravens will torment the predator, 3 or 4 of them keeping it busy while another steals a hunk of meat. Then, all birds return to their perch where the thief shares the prize with those who ran interference.