what is the difference between a raven and a crow?

Answer 1

There are a few differences between the two. Ravens are generally bigger in size, first off. Their bills are long and heavy, and their tails are long and wedge-shaped. In flight, this is what distinguishes all crows from ravens, for all crows have fan-shaped tails. Another difference is that while the crows make a 'caw' sound, ravens make more of a 'croak' sound. Other than that, there really isn't much difference, except maybe the location you would find them. Ravens, crows, jays, and magpies, are all in the family Corvidae (which is commonly just referred to as 'crows').

Hope that helped :]
- Becky

Answer 2

Whilst crows/ravens are of the same family,there is quite a difference in size.A raven, such as the North American Corvus corax, is larger than a crow. Ravens average 25" tall (64 cm) with a 4 foot (122 cm) wing span, about the size of a hawk, while crows are around 18" (46 cm) tall and their wings span 3 feet (91 cm). The beak of a crow might look slightly thicker than that of a raven.Whilst both birds are black,the crows feathers are a slightly different shade of black,some have lighter markings. Ravers on the other hand have shiny feathers with a blue or purple tint in sunshine.Crows can fluff their feathers into a mane to show off, while a raven's individual feathers are larger and pointier. The tail of a crow,when spread out,curves evenly,while the tail of a raven has a triangular point. There is also a difference in their vocalization...

Answer 3

When observed in flight the crow's tail looks squared off, the raven's is rounded (some use the term spade-shaped). Ravens are larger and have more massive beaks. Crows tend to flock in large numbers while ravens are usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes in small groups of up to a dozen or so. The ravens main vocalization is much harsher and grittier than the crows caw.

This is comparing the Common Raven and American Crow.

Answer 4

Raven is the common name given to the largest species of birds in the genus Corvus. Corvids are also commonly referred to as 'crows' and other species in the same genus include jackdaws, and rooks.
The true crows are large passerine birds that comprise the genus Corvus. Ranging in size from the relatively small pigeon-sized jackdaws (Eurasian and Daurian) to the Common Raven of the Holarctic region and Thick-billed Raven of the highlands of Ethiopia, the 40 or so members of this genus occur on all temperate continents (except South America) and several offshore and oceanic islands (including Hawaii).

Answer 5

The term 'crow' actually refers to the family corvidae, which actually comprises many different birds, including ravens.

So there is actually no 'difference' between a crow and a raven, because a raven IS a crow - so is a jackdaw, a magpie and a rook.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow

I think people will say that Ravens are bigger than crows, but the truth is they are crows, they are the largest species of crow.

Chalice

Answer 6

the easiest way to tell them apart is that a raven is pure black and bigger than a crow. crows are black and white in color.

Answer 7

U tell me.