Common raven

The raven is a bird of the big sky and the long view. Larger than a crow, with a thick bill, shaggy throat feathers, and a wedge-shaped tail, it is easy to recognize in flight. It does not just fly, either. Ravens roll, tumble, and glide on thermals as if for the fun of it.

Ravens stay in Manitoba all year, even in the far north, where they scavenge in the coldest weather. They are famously intelligent, able to solve puzzles and plan ahead, and pairs are thought to stay together for life. The call is a deep, hollow croak, quite different from the caw of a crow. Their nests are large and built on cliffs, trees, or even buildings.

I enjoy the glossy black plumage and thoughtful look of a common raven, one of the smartest birds I photograph.

To find out more about the common raven and the places it lives, visit All About Birds.

Common raven Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the common raven in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.