Common Raven -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 25 inches | Wingspan: 50 inches | Seasonality: Rare visitor |
| ID Keys: Large size, very thick bill, wedge-shaped tail | ||
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Common Raven
Corvus corax
Common Ravens are the largest of the songbirds (perching birds). Ravens are considered among the most adaptable and intelligent of birds, traits which allow them to live in environments ranging from tundra to forest to desert. The resourceful Raven is often seen cooperating with others of its kind to capture prey. Ravens were probably historically found throughout South Dakota, but unfortunately are now only rare visitors. The Common Raven is, however, expanding its range into other formerly inhabited areas.
Habitat: Wide variety of habitats, but most often found in forested country.
Diet: Omnivorous. An incredibly wide array of items are eaten, including insects, worms, rodents, snakes, lizards, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, birds, eggs, small fish, carrion, and garbage.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota, although it may have bred here historically.
Song: Very wide variety of vocalizations. Click here to listen to Common Raven calls
Migrations: Generally a permanent resident throughout its range.
Similar Species: American Crow
Status: Ravens were exterminated from much of their former range in the Plains, Midwest, and Eastern United States. They are now expanding in range and numbers, especially in the Northeastern United States and in the Appalachians They remain a very rare visitor to South Dakota, however.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Common Raven
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Common Raven"
Photo Information: June 14th, 2001 -- Just north of Banff, Alberta Canada -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Common Raven photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
