Corvus corax
Among the many remarkable animals that call the Yellowstone Ecosystem home, the raven is one of the most intriguing. Highly intelligent, playful, and ever-present, these dark-feathered birds are far more than just background scenery. Their bold personalities and lack of fear around humans make them a frequent sight along roadsides, in campgrounds, and soaring high above the valleys. Because they are so common, it’s easy for visitors to overlook them in favor of larger, more iconic wildlife like bears or wolves. Yet, those who pause to observe the raven soon discover a creature full of mystery and complexity—an opportunist, a trickster, and one of the most captivating residents of Yellowstone.
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About
Physical Characteristics
The common raven is a large, dark bird, very closely resembling the crow. Crows and ravens are both part of the corvid family which also includes magpies and jays. Ravens and crows resemble each other so much that it can be difficult to tell them apart. Ravens are significantly bigger weighing anywhere from 1.5-4.4 pounds, while crows are 0.7-1.4 pounds. Their bill is also notably larger, a prominent feature of the raven. They are omnivores and eat just about anything they come across: small rodents, insects, invertebrates, human food waste and undigested pieces in animal feces, and they scavenge from wolf kills, roadkill, and other carcasses.
Long Lived and Affectionate
Ravens are monogamous, meaning they mate for life. They are very devoted partners and frequently display affectionate grooming of one another. If one raven loses their partner, they will recreate their partner’s call to try to find them. They fiercely defend their chicks from outside threats, and they put in a great deal of effort to make their nest soft and comfortable. They are capable of living long lives. Captive ravens can live up to 40 years old, and in the wild they average 10-15 years. The oldest wild raven lived to be 23 years old, while the oldest captive raven lived a whopping 80 years!
Incredible Intelligence
Several scientific experiments have been conducted to try to determine just how smart these birds really are, with astounding results. Ravens have demonstrated cognitive abilities and puzzle solving skills that rival that of primates like chimpanzees. They use tools with ease and they have very complex social lives, living in groups with social hierarchies. They are also the first animal observed to be aware of the social hierarchies of other groups. If they interact with a raven outside of their unit, they know what that bird’s social ranking is in their own group. They even recognize individual humans. In an experiment that involved trapping and releasing ravens, the people who did the trapping were remembered and were scolded when they were seen again. What’s more impressive is that ravens who had never encountered those people began to scold them too. The trapped ravens had taught other birds with no experience of what had happened that those particular people were a threat! They are extremely social animals with highly sophisticated communication skills.
Where Will I See Ravens?
Everywhere! Whether you’re in the woods, out on the roads, or in town, you are likely to see many ravens. They are plentiful and have adapted to living in close proximity to humans, often to their benefit. You may get a closer look at one than you thought!
FAQs
How can I tell the difference between a raven and a crow?
Ravens are noticeably larger than crows, often weighing two to three times as much. They have a thicker bill, wedge shaped tail, and deeper, more resonant calls. Crows tend to be smaller with a fan shaped tail and higher pitched vocalizations.
What do ravens eat in the Yellowstone Ecosystem?
Ravens are true omnivores. They eat small mammals, insects, invertebrates, roadkill, scraps from wolf kills, human food waste, and partially digested material found in animal scat. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in almost any habitat.
Do ravens really mate for life?
Yes. Ravens form long term monogamous pairs and remain extremely devoted to each other. They groom one another, defend their territory as a team, and work together to build comfortable nests for their chicks. If separated, a raven will even mimic its partner’s call to try to locate them.
Are ravens actually as intelligent as people say?
Absolutely. Ravens are among the most intelligent birds on the planet. They can solve puzzles, use tools, understand social hierarchies, and even recognize individual humans. Their ability to learn, teach other ravens, and communicate complex information is truly remarkable.
Where am I most likely to see ravens during my visit?
Almost anywhere. Ravens are abundant throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and are comfortable around people. You might see them along roadsides, soaring over forests, perched in parking lots, or following wildlife such as wolves and coyotes in hopes of scavenging a meal.
Further Reading
Jackson Hole Wildlife
Jul 12, 2024
Thanks to the range of different habitats that scatter across the sprawling valley, there is a plethora of wildlife to be found. The forests house woodland creatures like foxes, mule deer, black bears, pine martens, and elk.
A Month by Month Guide to Grand Teton National Park
Jun 21, 2024
Each and every month has something special to note, meaning that no matter what season you visit will be a special time. Use this guide to determine what time of year aligns best with what your interests and goals are.