Crow vs. Raven: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Crows are smaller, with a distinct cawing sound, while Ravens are larger, have a deeper voice, and a more wedge-shaped tail.
Key Differences
Crows are generally smaller than ravens, with a length of about 17 to 21 inches. Ravens are larger, often reaching 24 inches in length, and they have a more robust build. Both birds belong to the genus Corvus but differ significantly in size.
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The call of a crow is a high-pitched, distinct caw. Ravens, however, produce a deeper, more resonant croak. These vocal differences are one of the easiest ways to distinguish between the two in the wild.
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In flight, crows have a more streamlined look and their tail feathers are basically all the same length, giving their tail a fan-shaped appearance. Ravens have wedge-shaped tails, which are noticeable particularly during flight.
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The feathers of a crow have a certain glossiness, reflecting different colors in sunlight. Ravens have shaggier throat feathers and a more iridescent sheen to their plumage, often displaying a bluish or purplish tint in the right light.
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Crows are known for their adaptability and are often found in a wide variety of environments, including urban areas. Ravens prefer wilder areas, forests, and wilderness, although they can also adapt to urban settings if necessary.
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Comparison Chart
Feather Appearance
Glossy with varied reflections
Iridescent with shaggier throat feathers
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Habitat Preference
Adapt to a wide variety, including urban
Prefer wild areas but can adapt to urban
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Crow and Raven Definitions
Crow
Has glossy, varied-color feathers.
The crow's feathers shimmered in the sunlight.
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Raven
Known for its iridescent plumage and shaggier throat feathers.
The raven's bluish feathers glistened in the morning light.
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Crow
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting an area of the northern Great Plains between the Platte and Yellowstone Rivers, now located in southeast Montana. The Crow became nomadic buffalo hunters after migrating west from the Missouri River in North Dakota in the 18th century.
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Raven
Exhibits complex social behaviors and high intelligence.
The raven used a stick to retrieve food from a jar.
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Raven
Often associated with wilderness and solitude.
A solitary raven perched on the cliff overseeing the valley.
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Crow
Any of several large glossy black birds of the genus Corvus, having a characteristic raucous call, especially C. brachyrhynchos of North America.
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Raven
A large bird (Corvus corax) of the Northern Hemisphere, having black plumage and a croaking cry.
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Raven
Any of several similar birds of the genus Corvus, found in Africa, Australia, and southwestern North America.
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Crow
A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles; it has a harsh, croaking call.
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Crow
Any of various dark-coloured nymphalid butterflies of the genus Euploea.
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Crow
A bar of iron with a beak, crook or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar.
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Crow
(historical) A gangplank (corvus) used by the Ancient Roman navy to board enemy ships.
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Crow
(derogatory) An ill-tempered and obstinate woman, or one who otherwise has features resembling the bird; a harpy.
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Raven
(countable) Any of several, generally large and lustrous black species of birds in the genus Corvus, especially the common raven, Corvus corax.
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Crow
The cry of the bird known in the US as a rooster and in British English as a cockerel.
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Crow
(intransitive) To make the shrill sound characteristic of a rooster; to make a sound in this manner, either in gaiety, joy, pleasure, or defiance.
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Crow
(intransitive) To shout in exultation or defiance; to brag.
He’s been crowing all day about winning the game of cards.
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Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet-black
Raven curls
Raven darkness
She was a tall, sophisticated, raven-haired beauty.
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Crow
To test the reed of a double reed instrument by placing the reed alone in the mouth and blowing it.
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Crow
To make the shrill sound characteristic of a cock, either in joy, gayety, or defiance.
The morning cock crew loud.
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Raven
(transitive) To prey on with rapacity.
The raven is both a scavenger, who ravens a dead animal almost like a vulture, and a bird of prey, who commonly ravens to catch a rodent.
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Crow
To utter a sound expressive of joy or pleasure.
The sweetest little maid,That ever crowed for kisses.
Sennacherib crowing over poor Jerusalem.
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Crow
A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles. It has a harsh, croaking note. See Caw.
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Raven
A large black passerine bird (Corvus corax), similar to the crow, but larger, and has a harsh, loud call. It is native of the northern parts of Europe, Asia and America, and is noted for its sagacity.
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Crow
A bar of iron with a beak, crook, or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar.
Get me an iron crow, and bring it straightUnto my cell.
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Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet black; as, raven curls; raven darkness.
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Raven
To devour with great eagerness.
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane.
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Crow
A small quadrilateral constellation in the southern hemisphere near Virgo
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Raven
To prey with rapacity; to be greedy; to show rapacity.
Benjamin shall raven as a wolf.
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Crow
An instance of boastful talk;
His brag is worse than his fight
Whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade
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Crow
A smaller, adaptable bird known for its distinct caw.
The crow cawed loudly from the tree top.
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Raven
A larger bird with a deeper voice and wedge-shaped tail.
The raven's croak echoed through the forest.
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Crow
Commonly found in various environments, including cities.
Crows gathered in the park, scavenging for food.
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Raven
Prefers wilder, more natural habitats.
Ravens were spotted near the mountainous wilderness.
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Crow
Recognized for its intelligent behavior and problem-solving skills.
The crow figured out how to open the garbage bin.
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Crow
A bird with a fan-shaped tail.
In flight, the crow's fan-shaped tail was clearly visible.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the crow known for?
Crows are known for their problem-solving skills and complex social behavior.
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Is 'crow' used in expressions?
Yes, "as the crow flies" means the shortest distance between two points.
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What is a crow?
A crow is a black bird, known for its intelligence and adaptability, belonging to the genus Corvus.
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How to identify a crow?
Crows are medium-sized, with a stout body, thick neck, and a relatively short, rounded tail.
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Do crows mate for life?
Many crow species are monogamous and may mate for life.
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What is the habitat of a crow?
Crows are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including urban areas.
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Can 'crow' mean to boast?
Yes, as a verb, 'to crow' can mean to express pride or triumph, often loudly.
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What is a group of crows called?
A group of crows is often referred to as a "murder" of crows.
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What is the sound of a crow?
Crows are known for their loud, harsh 'caw' sound.
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How do ravens differ from crows?
Ravens are larger, have a heavier bill, shaggier feathers, and a deeper, more guttural call than crows.
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What is the crow's diet?
Crows are omnivores and eat a wide range of food, from insects to fruit and garbage.
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How long do ravens live?
Ravens can live up to 15 years in the wild, and longer in captivity.
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What is a raven?
A raven is a large, black bird, also part of the Corvus genus, known for its size and intelligence.
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What is the habitat of a raven?
Ravens prefer wilder areas and are often found in forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
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Is 'raven' used in literature?
Yes, ravens are often depicted in mythology and literature, famously in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven."
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What does a raven symbolize?
Ravens are often associated with mystery, intelligence, and sometimes, foreboding.
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What is the raven known for?
Ravens are known for their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and complex social dynamics.
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What are the social behaviors of ravens?
Ravens have complex social structures and can engage in playful activities, including aerial acrobatics.
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What is a raven's diet?
Ravens are omnivores and their diet includes insects, fruit, meat, and carrion.
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Do ravens mimic sounds?
Yes, ravens can mimic sounds, including human speech, much like parrots.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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