What is the difference between a crow and raven? 

Ravens are similar to crow species except larger and shaggier around the throat. Ravens are as big as Red-tailed Hawks.

Compared to crows, ravens fly more like hawks by soaring and with shallow wing beats. Ravens sometimes do a "somersault"  in flight (while crows never do).

Ravens have deeper, more hoarse calls than crows.

Listen to a Common Raven

Listen to an American Crow

Ravens are found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere although they are rare in some areas of Eastern U.S. American Crows can be found throughout North America, except in driest southern areas and where replaced by Northwestern Crow on the Pacific coast from northern Washington to Alaska. You are likely to find Ravens in locations where it can soar on rising hot air (thermals) and where there are cliffs or tall trees for nesting. American Crows are likely to be found in a variety of habitats, including suburban areas and agricultural lands.

Still want to know more? Visit Dr Kevin McGowan's crow FAQ page to learn more about telling crows and ravens apart.

Tip: First find out what is most common in your area.

Blue Jay by Pedro Fernandes

Crows are part of the Corvidae family (called corvids). Corvids include crows, ravens, magpies, jays, and nutcrackers. They are among the smartest birds known (probably second to birds in the parrot family). Magpies can find objects that have been moved from one hiding place to another, even when they didn't witness the objects being moved. Clark's Nutcrackers can remember a thousand different locations where food has been hidden. Some corvids are thought to be able to recognize all of the individuals in their family group.