Common raven
This common raven is one of two that lives at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal.
The common raven is the biggest member of the crow (corvid) family. It is found across the northern hemisphere and is the the most widely distributed of all corvids.
It is all black with a large bill, and long wings, in flight it shows a diamond shaped tail. Their length is between 23.5 to 26.75 in. (60 to 68 cm) with a wingspan of 47.25 to 59 in. (120 to 150 cm). Their weight ranges between 28.25 to 53 oz. (800 to 1,500 g). Ravens are known to be intelligent birds and the brain of the common raven counts among the largest of any bird species.
Ravens prefer undisturbed rural, mountain or forest habitat over urban areas. In the UK it's found in upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines, Lake District and much of Scotland.
There are estimated to be 7,400 UK breeding pairs. Ravens pair for life and females lay four to six blue-green eggs in a nest of twigs and moss in late February. Incubation is about 18 to 21 days, by the female only. The young fledge at 35 to 42 days, and are fed by both parents. They stay with their parents for another six months after fledging.
Ravens feed on carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, cereal grains, fruit, berries and food waste. In some areas their numbers have increased so dramatically that they have become agricultural pests which cause damage to crops such as nuts and grain or can harm livestock, particularly by killing young goat kids, lambs and calves.
In the wild ravens have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years but in captivity or protected conditions they live much longer. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years.
Throughout human history the common raven has been a powerful symbol and a popular subject of mythology and fokelore. One legend is that if the tame ravens which famously guard the Tower of London were to leave then England will fall. In Norse mythology, Huginn (from the Old Norse for 'thought') and Muninn (from the Old Norse for 'memory' or 'mind) are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world of humans, known as Midgard, and bring the god Odin information.
Common raven
This common raven is one of two that lives at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal.
The common raven is the biggest member of the crow (corvid) family. It is found across the northern hemisphere and is the the most widely distributed of all corvids.
It is all black with a large bill, and long wings, in flight it shows a diamond shaped tail. Their length is between 23.5 to 26.75 in. (60 to 68 cm) with a wingspan of 47.25 to 59 in. (120 to 150 cm). Their weight ranges between 28.25 to 53 oz. (800 to 1,500 g). Ravens are known to be intelligent birds and the brain of the common raven counts among the largest of any bird species.
Ravens prefer undisturbed rural, mountain or forest habitat over urban areas. In the UK it's found in upland areas of south west England, Wales, the north Pennines, Lake District and much of Scotland.
There are estimated to be 7,400 UK breeding pairs. Ravens pair for life and females lay four to six blue-green eggs in a nest of twigs and moss in late February. Incubation is about 18 to 21 days, by the female only. The young fledge at 35 to 42 days, and are fed by both parents. They stay with their parents for another six months after fledging.
Ravens feed on carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, cereal grains, fruit, berries and food waste. In some areas their numbers have increased so dramatically that they have become agricultural pests which cause damage to crops such as nuts and grain or can harm livestock, particularly by killing young goat kids, lambs and calves.
In the wild ravens have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years but in captivity or protected conditions they live much longer. Individuals at the Tower of London have lived for more than 40 years.
Throughout human history the common raven has been a powerful symbol and a popular subject of mythology and fokelore. One legend is that if the tame ravens which famously guard the Tower of London were to leave then England will fall. In Norse mythology, Huginn (from the Old Norse for 'thought') and Muninn (from the Old Norse for 'memory' or 'mind) are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world of humans, known as Midgard, and bring the god Odin information.