What's the difference between ravens and crows?
Here's how to tell these birds apart
What to KnowRavens and crows are different, yet closely related, species of birds. Both are highly intelligent and have glossy black feathers, but ravens are the larger of the two, weighing almost twice as much as their crow cousins, and have a thicker bill. Crows are more widespread across the entire continental United States, and have a greater tendency to form large flocks, so in most places you’re more likely to encounter a crow (or several).
This is a pair of common ravens (Corvus corax); they are not crows.
While many people use raven and crow interchangeably for any large, glossy black bird, scientists and birdwatchers use these names to refer to different, though closely-related, species.
In most places in the United States, you are more likely to encounter a crow than a raven, and specifically the American crow (scientific name Corvus brachyrhynchos). Crows are smart, social birds that can be seen and heard everywhere from beaches to cities, woods to roadsides.
The raven is larger than the crow and has a bigger bill; the US has two raven species, with the common raven (Corvus corax) being, uh, more common. And while crows are intelligent, the raven is considered one of the smartest of all birds. In the United States, the common raven’s range extends from the Rockies westward to the Pacific Ocean, and it can also be found near the Canadian border in the upper Midwest, in northern New England, and at higher elevations in Appalachia. In general ravens are more solitary than crows, and are often seen alone or in pairs.
Similarities of Crows and Ravens
Color: Both crows and ravens have glossy black feathers.
Intelligence: Both crows and ravens are highly intelligent (though ravens are perhaps a bit smarter).
Relatives: Crows and ravens are related, belonging to the same genus (Corvus) and family, (Corvidae). Familiar birds such as the magpie and the blue jay also belong to the Corvidae family.
Differences Between Crows and Ravens
Size: Ravens are larger than crows.
Bill: Ravens have thicker bills than crows.
Sociability: Crows are in general more social than ravens, and more likely to be seen in large flocks.
Tail: If you’re wondering if the bird you’re seeing is a raven or crow, and can get a good look at its tail, ravens have wedge- or diamond-shaped tails, while the ends of crows’ tails are curved more like paddles.
Sound: Check out our gallery on words for bird sounds to hear the difference between a raven’s croak and a crow’s caw.
