What is the Difference Between a Crow and a Raven

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Crows and ravens can appear to be very similar, making it a challenge for some to know the difference between the two birds.  Both birds are completely black and both species are commonly found across North America.  

Here are some ways you can determine the difference between the common raven (Corvus corax) and the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Clues for telling the difference between a crow and a raven can be found by comparing the size of the bird, shape of the tail feathers,  the smoothness of the bird’s neck, bird sounds, and how the birds socialize.

Size: Raven Versus Crows

Ravens are about 2 1/2 times the size of crows. The raven has about a 3.5 to 4 feet wingspan and is around 24-27 inches from head to tail.  The crow is smaller, with a 2.5 feet wingspan and a length of about 17 inches.

Silhouettes of a raven (left) and crow (right) in flight.
Silhouettes of a raven (left) and crow (right) in flight. Image: Caitlin Dempsey.

Tail Feathers: Raven Versus Crows

The tail feathers of a raven are wedged shaped.  Crows, in contrast, have a fan-shaped tail.

Raven tail shape (left) and crow tail shape (right). Photo (L): NPS Photo/Marc Neidig.  Photo (R): NPS/Andrea Putnam.  Both in public domain.
Raven tail shape (left) and crow tail shape (right). Photo (L): NPS/Marc Neidig. Photo (R): NPS/Andrea Putnam. Both in public domain.

Presence of Hackles

The ruff of feathers on the front a raven just below its neck are called hackles.

Closeup view of hackles on a common raven. Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert, public domain.
Closeup view of hackles on a common raven. Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert, public domain.

Crows have a smooth front.

Crows have a smooth front of feathers just below the beak. An American Crow perched on a tree branch. Photo: NPS Photo / Andrea Putnam, public domain
Crows have a smooth front of feathers just below the beak. An American Crow perched on a tree branch. Photo: NPS Photo / Andrea Putnam, public domain

Sounds

Crows make a sound that sounds like “caw” and purr.  Ravens sound more frog-like with a croaky call.

Crow call:

Raven call:

Populated Areas

Crows are well adapted to living in highly developed areas.  It’s very common to find crows living near people.  Ravens, in contrast, are very rare in populated areas.

Social Groups

Crows tend to form large groups while ravens tend to form pairs.  In fact, living as a group, known as and “unkindness” or “conspiracy,” has actually been found to increase stress levels in ravens.  A group of crows is known as a murder.

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