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The Raven, ( Corvus corax ) is largest and most powerful of the Crows, and size alone should quickly distinguish it from the Carrion Crow. Additionally the stouter bill and distinctive wedge-shaped tail are aids to identification. Most frequently and easily seen in flight, it often soars to a great height on motionless wings, flight feathers extended like fingers on a hand; at other times it will perform aerial acrobatics, particularly during the breeding season, when it will roll, swoop and dive, calling as it does so. On the ground it walks and hops rather clumsily, compared to its aerial dexterity. It perches freely on crags or trees, as available, from where it will call, lunging forward with each note, the shaggy throat-feathers showing prominently. A pair will stay together throughout the year, while in areas where it is numerous small parties forage and roost together. Food is varied, but its habit of feeding on carrion has often brought it under suspicion of killing new-born lambs, though there is rarely the evidence to support this belief. Extract from RSPB Complete Birds of Britain by Rob Hume and The Collins Gem Guide. Birds. British Birds A Field Guide by Alan J Richards. |
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