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Corvus corax
The Common Raven (Corvus corax), also known as the Northern Raven, is a large, all-black passerine bird. Found across the northern hemisphere, it is the most widely distributed of all corvids. There are at least eight subspecies with little variation in appearance—although recent research has demonstrated significant genetic differences among populations from various regions. It is one of the two largest corvids, alongside the Thick-billed Raven, and is possibly the heaviest passerine bird; at maturity, the Common Raven averages 63 centimetres (25 inches) in length and 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) in mass. Common Ravens can live up to 21 years in the wild, a lifespan exceeded among passerines by only a few Australasian species such as the Satin Bowerbird and probably the lyrebirds. Young birds may travel in flocks but later mate for life, with each mated pair defending a territory.
Standing dead tree in mixed woodland.
A Pileated Woodpecker was in the same tree as this Raven.
Spotted on Feb 16, 2013
Submitted on Feb 16, 2013
3 Comments
Nice spotting! I also really enjoyed your description, and Debbie's comment. )) Thanks for sharing guys.
These may be classed as common Ravens but they are of extreme importance at the tower of London where they are treat almost like royalty themselves...The presence of the ravens is traditionally believed to protect the Crown and the Tower; a superstition holds that "If the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it."
Spectacular! I've not seen one of these yet!