Crows and ravens are both common birds in Colorado, although the crow is more predominant. But how do you tell the difference?
First, let’s look at their similarities.
Both birds are members of the Corvidae family of birds. This bird family, also referred to as the crow or corvid family, includes more than 115 species of birds, including magpies, crows, ravens and jays. In Estes Valley, the American crow, common raven, black-billed magpie, Steller’s jay and the occasional blue jay are the most likely birds to be observed from this family.
Both birds are completely black in color, the only bird species in North America with this distinction. There are other birds that appear all black in color but usually have some purple or green iridescence, like the grackle, spotted feathers, like the starling, or patches of red or brown, like the red-winged blackbird and brown-headed cowbird.
The members of this family are also extremely intelligent birds, with studies showing that they can remember faces, use tools and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
Crows and ravens are both opportunistic omnivores, eating everything from trash to seeds to insects to carrion.
Surprisingly, as similar in appearance crows and ravens may appear, that is where the main similarities end.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate a crow and raven when they are next to each other is to observe the size. Ravens are larger than crows, being closer to the size of a red-tailed hawk whereas crows are closer in size to a pigeon. Ravens can have a wingspan of about 50 inches while crows are only about 35 inches.
Another differentiating factor that can be observed when looking at the two birds when they are near each other is to observe the beak. The raven has a much chunkier, thicker beak that has a curve to it while the crow’s is more pointed.
If the birds call out, it is also easy to differentiate the two species. Ravens have a deeper, croaking call while crows have a higher-pitched “caw-caw” sound, with groups often vocalizing together.
But how do you differentiate these birds when they are not together?
One of the easiest ways to identify each species is to look at the tail feathers when in flight. The raven has longer tail feathers at the center of the tail that creates more of a point while the crow has feathers of even length, creating a uniform edge along the tail that appears like a fan.
An easy way to remember the difference is to think about the “v” in the word raven versus “w” in the word crow. The “v” more closely resembles the point of the longer tail feathers while the “w” has more of that wide, even top.
Another distinction to observe in flight is how they fly. Ravens often soar on thermals while crows will flap more frequently than ravens.
On a raven, look for a patch of fluffy or shaggy feathers on their throat; the crow’s throat is smoother.
Although both species are social birds, ravens typically travel in pairs while crows travel in much larger groups called “murders.”
Finally, crows most often walk while ravens do a combination of walking and hopping. So, although both may walk, if you see a double-footed hopping technique, it is most likely a raven.
Look for both birds throughout Estes Valley. Although crows have larger population numbers and will be more frequently seen near urban and populated areas, both species are in the vicinity of Estes Valley.
