How much bigger is a raven than a carrion crow?

Ravens span about 120–150 cm and weigh 800–1,500 g; carrion crows span roughly 93–104 cm and weigh 370–650 g. A typical raven can be more than twice the weight, but it is not twice as large in every measurement.

What is the best way to identify a raven in flight?

Use several clues together: a very large build, heavy bill, shaggy throat, deep cronk, heavy soaring flight and a wedge-shaped tail when it is fully spread. Size or tail shape alone can mislead.

Are ravens found only on high mountains?

No. They are common in many upland and coastal areas but also use lowland farmland and sometimes buildings or bridges. Carrion crows also occur in uplands, so there is no reliable altitude cut-off between the species.

Winging It

Raven or Carrion Crow? Size, Shape, Call and Flight

Ravens really are much larger than carrion crows, but not in every measurement and not only above an arbitrary mountain height. Use several field marks together for a reliable identification.

8 August 20265 min read