Raven vs. Crow: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 26, 2024
Ravens are larger, have wedge-shaped tails, and deeper voices; crows are smaller, with fan-shaped tails and higher-pitched caws.
Difference Between Raven and Crow
Ravens and crows are both intelligent birds belonging to the Corvidae family, but they exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart. Ravens are notably larger than crows, often reaching the size of a red-tailed hawk. Their wingspans can stretch up to 3.5 feet, whereas crows have a more modest wingspan. This size difference is one of the most obvious ways to distinguish between the two birds when observing them in the wild.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Crow tails are fan-shaped while raven tails are wedge-shaped. This difference can be particularly noticeable when the birds are flying overhead. If one notices a bird with a long, wedge-shaped tail soaring through the sky, it's more than likely a raven. On the other hand, a bird displaying a shorter, fan-shaped tail would likely be a crow.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Another distinguishing feature between ravens and crows is their vocalizations. Ravens produce a deep, resonant croak or a "rattle" sound, while crows emit a high-pitched caw. The sounds of these birds are distinctive enough that, even if they are not visible, one can often determine whether it's a raven or crow based on their calls alone.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024
Ravens are often found in wilder, less populated areas like forests or mountains. They are known for their solitary nature and often travel in pairs. Crows, conversely, are more adaptable to urban environments and can often be seen in larger groups, known as "murders." Their adaptability has enabled crows to thrive in various habitats, from countryside to city centers.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Though ravens and crows may look similar at first glance, a closer observation reveals multiple distinctions, from size and tail shape to vocalizations and typical habitats. Their behaviors and interactions with the environment also offer clues to their identities, showcasing the diversity within the Corvidae family.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Raven vs. Crow Comparison Chart
Size
Larger, comparable to a red-tailed hawk
Smaller, about the size of a pigeon
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Habitat
Wilder areas like forests or mountains
Adaptable; from countryside to city centers
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Raven vs. Crow Definitions
◉Raven
A member of the Corvidae family with a wedge-shaped tail.
We recognized it as a raven due to its distinctive tail shape.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
A medium-sized, intelligent black bird with a fan-shaped tail.
The crow cawed loudly from the treetop, alerting its flock.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
A bird often associated with myths, legends, and folklore.
In many cultures, the raven is a symbol of mystery and transformation.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
A member of the Corvidae family often found in urban environments.
As the city woke up, the crow searched the streets for food scraps.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
A bird with a deep, resonating call.
The echoing croak of the raven could be heard throughout the canyon.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
A bird known for its adaptability and problem-solving skills.
The crow skillfully used a twig to extract insects from a log.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
A large bird (Corvus corax) of the Northern Hemisphere, having black plumage and a croaking cry.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
A bird that often gathers in groups, known as "murders."
A murder of crows gathered in the field, creating a striking black canvas.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
Any of several similar birds of the genus Corvus, found in Africa, Australia, and southwestern North America.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
Any of various dark-coloured nymphalid butterflies of the genus Euploea.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
(historical) A gangplank (corvus) used by the Ancient Roman navy to board enemy ships.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
(derogatory) An ill-tempered and obstinate woman, or one who otherwise has features resembling the bird; a harpy.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
The cry of the bird known in the US as a rooster and in British English as a cockerel.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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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Sep 26, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
To make the shrill sound characteristic of a cock, either in joy, gayety, or defiance.
The morning cock crew loud.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
To utter a sound expressive of joy or pleasure.
The sweetest little maid,That ever crowed for kisses.
Sennacherib crowing over poor Jerusalem.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet black; as, raven curls; raven darkness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
To devour with great eagerness.
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
To prey with rapacity; to be greedy; to show rapacity.
Benjamin shall raven as a wolf.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
a small quadrilateral constellation in the southern hemisphere near Virgo
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
an instance of boastful talk;
his brag is worse than his fight
whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
A large, black bird known for its intelligence and glossy plumage.
The raven perched high on the cliff, surveying the valley below.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Raven
An omnivorous bird with a varied diet.
The raven scavenged the forest floor for insects and berries.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Crow
An omnivorous bird with a distinctive high-pitched call.
The playful caws of the crow filled the morning air.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Raven vs. Crow Frequently Asked Questions
Can crows adapt to city life?
Yes, crows are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban environments.
Leo
Feb 26, 2024
Where are ravens most commonly found?
Ravens are often found in wilder areas like forests or mountains.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Is it true that crows can recognize human faces?
Yes, research has shown that crows can remember and recognize human faces.
Lucas
Feb 26, 2024
Are ravens and crows the same species?
No, ravens and crows are different species within the Corvidae family.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Which bird is larger, raven or crow?
Ravens are generally larger than crows.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024
Do ravens and crows have different calls?
Yes, ravens have a deeper croak, while crows emit a high-pitched caw.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Which bird has a wedge-shaped tail?
Ravens have a wedge-shaped tail, while crows have a fan-shaped tail.
Nolan
Feb 26, 2024
Do ravens have any significance in folklore?
Yes, ravens are often associated with myths, legends, and various cultural stories.
William
Feb 26, 2024
Are both ravens and crows known for their intelligence?
Yes, both birds are considered highly intelligent and have demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Which bird is more likely to be seen in a group?
Crows are more likely to be seen in groups, known as "murders."
William
Feb 26, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
