Raven facts for kids
A raven is a large, smart, black bird. You might hear it called the common raven or the northern raven. It looks a lot like a crow, but it's usually bigger. Ravens and the thick-billed raven are the two largest birds in the crow family. They are also some of the heaviest perching birds in the world.
Ravens have feathers that are completely black. Crows, on the other hand, have feathers that are white at the very bottom, but you can't usually see this from far away.
One of the most famous ravens appears in the spooky poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. Ravens can also be tamed by people. Some people think they are playful and clever, but in old stories, ravens were sometimes seen as mysterious or even a bit spooky.
Quick facts for kids Raven |
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| Corvus corax |
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Contents
What Makes a Raven Special?
Ravens are known for being very intelligent birds. They can solve problems, use tools, and even remember things for a long time. They are also great at communicating with each other using many different sounds.
Raven Sounds and Calls
Ravens make a wide range of sounds. Their most common call is a deep, croaking sound, often described as "caw-caw" or "kraa-kraa." But they can also make clicking, knocking, and even bell-like sounds. They can even copy the sounds of other animals or human speech!
Where Do Ravens Live?
Common ravens live in many different parts of the world. You can find them across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are very adaptable and can live in many places, from forests and mountains to deserts and even cities.
What Do Ravens Eat?
Ravens are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They are not picky eaters! Their diet can include:
- Small animals like insects, mice, and birds
- Eggs from other birds' nests
- Fruits, berries, and seeds
- Carrion (dead animals)
- Food scraps left by humans
They are very good at finding food, whether it's hunting or scavenging.
Raven Life Cycle
Ravens usually mate for life. This means they stay with the same partner for many years. They build large nests, often high up in trees or on cliffs, using sticks, mud, and other materials.
Raising Raven Chicks
The female raven lays about 3 to 7 eggs. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. Once the chicks hatch, they are tiny and helpless. Both parents work together to feed them and protect them until they are old enough to fly and find food on their own. This usually happens when the chicks are about 5 to 7 weeks old.
Images for kids
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A raven in flight
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Head of a common raven
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Common ravens
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A raven with a damaged wing. It can still fly with ease.
