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Ask a Naturalist: What is the difference between a raven and a crow?

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At first glance ravens and crows look very similar and are often mistaken for each other. Though closely related both belonging in the genus Corvus they are in fact two different species of bird. With a bit of practice you’ll be able to tell the difference between the two!

First ravens are quite a bit larger than crows about the size of a red-tailed hawk^[1] with a wingspan of 3.5 – 4 feet wingspan and 24 – 27 inches long from head to tail. Crows roughly have a 2.5 foot wingspan and are about 17 inches long. Ravens as such weigh a bit more at approximately 40 ounces while crows are half that weight at 20 ounces.^[2]

Their beaks are also considerably different. A closer look reveals that ravens have bigger thicker and curvier beaks than crows. Crows instead have much smaller slimmer and straighter beaks.

Another key difference is their tails. Look above when they are flying and try to get a good glimpse at the shape of their tails. A raven’s tail varies in length creating a wedge shape when spread open. A crow’s tail feathers on the other hand are typically the same length; when spread it looks like the shape of an open fan.

Ravens also often travel in pairs which is vastly different than crows who generally seen in large groups.

The next feature to observe is their vocalizations. Crows let out more of a cawing sound while ravens produce a lower croaking sound.^[3]

Click here to listen to crow calls.

Click here to listen to raven calls.

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Get craft and create your own handprint raven! Try making a crow too and see how you can make it different based on what you learned about these two birds' differences!

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Take a walk around your neighborhood or local park and try to spot some crows or ravens. Discuss the features of the bird and why you think it is one or the other!