By Sara Thompson
Image: Raven at Bryce Canyon National Park. Image credit is the National Park Service, Wikimedia Commons.
Special to The Enterprise
Ravens are part of the Corvid family, a group that also includes crows, jays, magpies, and more. The common raven (Corvus Corax) can be found in many places in the Northern Hemisphere and some equatorial places. They can be found in a variety of habitats but have preferences of wooded areas with nearby open areas or coastal regions. Their nests are shaped like cups or bowls. They are made of sticks and twigs, held together with mud and roots, and lined with softer materials such as fur and feathers. Most common nest sites are large trees or cliff sides, but sometimes utility poles or old buildings.
Often confused with their close relative, the crow, the two birds do have some distinct differences. Firstly, the ravens are much bigger. Adult ravens range in size between 21-28 inches long, with wingspans between 46-60 inches, and can weigh between 1.5-5 lbs.! Scientists have found that ravens living in colder regions tend to be slightly larger and heavier than their cousins in more temperate regions. Ravens also have a tuft of feathers at their throat, called hackles. When in flight, ravens soar more, and flap less than crows do. Ravens also have a wedge-shaped tail where crow tails are fan shaped. Most people are familiar with the ‘caw-caw’ of a crow. Ravens have a deeper, almost croak call and have a wider range of vocalizations.
Ravens form strong bonds and often mate for life, defending territory together. Ravens will lay between three to seven eggs and the female will incubate them for around 20 days. Both parents care for the young and are fiercely protective of their nests and fledglings. Due to their size, adult ravens have few predators, with most animals going for their eggs and juveniles. Those that do are owls, hawks, eagles, and martens. Ravens are opportunistic eaters and diet is highly dependent on where they are living. Plant matter includes grains, acorns, berries, and fruits. They also prey on maggots, invertebrates, small amphibians, or reptiles. Because their beak is not hooked like raptors, they are not as adept to tearing animal flesh, but do feed on kills leftover from larger predators such as wolves.
Ravens are one of the most intelligent bird species. Like most animals, they engage in play, but they also play with members of other species as well as their own. They have also been observed using tools and excel at problem solving. They have a sophisticated level of communication and coordinating with each other. Ravens are also very curious and are known to collect small objects such as pebbles or metal pieces. Juvenile ravens are more curious than adults and have been observed collecting a variety of objects, whereas older ravens have developed a favoritism and collect similar or familiar objects.
Explorit's coming events:
Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.
Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate
An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.
Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals and Dynamic Dinosaurs. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.
Comments