The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is a permanent resident found throughout Colorado. This large, highly intelligent bird is the largest member of the corvid family, which includes jays and crows. Ravens are known for their adaptability and complex behavior across the state’s diverse landscapes.
Presence and Species Confirmation
The Common Raven is the primary species found across Colorado, with a widespread and stable population. This species is classified as Least Concern by conservation organizations, reflecting its robust numbers and ability to thrive in varied environments. Ravens have been native to this region for centuries.
A second species, the Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus), may occasionally be found in the extreme southeastern plains of Colorado. Identifying the two species can be challenging, but the vast majority of ravens observed across the mountains and western regions of the state are the larger and more widely distributed Common Raven.
Habitat and Range within Colorado
The range of the Common Raven in Colorado demonstrates its adaptability, extending across nearly every ecological zone. They are most prevalent in the mountainous regions, where they utilize high-altitude environments up to and above treeline. Here, they commonly nest on sheer cliff faces and rock ledges, often utilizing the same sites year after year.
On the Western Slope, ravens are well-established in the high desert mesas, canyons, and scrublands, areas that provide open foraging space and elevated nesting sites. Their ability to survive on a broad omnivorous diet, including carrion and insects, allows them to exploit these semi-arid environments successfully.
The birds are less numerous on the flatter, shortgrass Eastern Plains compared to the mountainous western half of the state, though they are still present. They have also expanded their presence into urban and suburban edge zones, particularly near foothills and open parklands. While American Crows tend to dominate dense metropolitan centers, ravens will often capitalize on human food sources around landfills and less densely populated outskirts.
Distinguishing Ravens from Crows
Distinguishing the Common Raven from the American Crow, which also inhabits Colorado, requires attention to several key physical and behavioral markers. The most apparent difference is size; the raven is significantly larger, often comparable to a Red-tailed Hawk, with a wingspan of up to four feet. In contrast, the American Crow is smaller, roughly the size of a pigeon, and possesses a proportionally smaller bill.
In flight, the shape of the tail feathers provides an identification clue. Ravens exhibit a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail when spread, caused by their longer central tail feathers. Crows, conversely, have tail feathers of nearly equal length, resulting in a fan-shaped or slightly rounded appearance. Ravens also tend to soar and glide more frequently, riding thermal currents, while crows rely on more continuous, steady wing flapping.
Vocalization is another reliable distinction. Ravens produce a deep, reverberating, often guttural croak or “gronk” sound. The crow’s call is the familiar, higher-pitched “caw-caw.” For those observing a bird at close range, the raven also features shaggy, lance-shaped feathers, known as hackles, around its throat and neck, which are not present on the smoother-throated crow.