The Common Raven, a large and intelligent bird, is present in Massachusetts. Once nearly absent, these adaptable birds have made a notable return to the state. Their re-establishment allows more residents to observe these distinct corvids across various landscapes, from mountains to coastal areas and even developed environments.
Raven Presence in Massachusetts
Ravens in Massachusetts are found in a variety of environments, showcasing their adaptability. Historically, their presence was concentrated in higher elevations and wilder areas, such as the Taconic Mountains and Berkshire Highlands. These regions, with their cliffs and quarry ledges, provided suitable nesting sites. Their distribution has expanded significantly over time.
Ravens now inhabit central Massachusetts, including the Worcester Plateau, and have even reached coastal areas. They are increasingly observed in suburban and urban fringes, sometimes utilizing human-made structures like cell towers for nesting. While they prefer woodlands, particularly coniferous forests and rocky coastlines, their opportunistic nature allows them to thrive in diverse habitats. Sightings across the state are becoming more common.
Telling Ravens Apart from Crows
Distinguishing ravens from the more common American Crows requires attention to several key features. Ravens are noticeably larger, often compared in size to a Red-tailed Hawk, with a length of 24-27 inches and a wingspan of 3.5-4 feet. Crows are smaller, closer to the size of a pigeon, measuring about 17 inches long with a 2.5-foot wingspan.
A raven’s beak is thicker and more robust than a crow’s, often appearing more curved. Ravens also have shaggy throat feathers, sometimes called a “ruff,” which crows lack. In flight, tail shape is a reliable indicator: ravens display a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, while crows have a fan-shaped or square tail. Ravens frequently soar on air currents with minimal flapping, a behavior less common in crows, which exhibit a more active, flapping flight. Their vocalizations also differ; ravens produce a deep, guttural “cronk” or “gronk-gronk” sound, distinct from the higher-pitched “caw-caw” of crows.
Raven Population Dynamics
Common Ravens were once widespread in Massachusetts during early European settlement but were largely extirpated by the mid-1800s due to human persecution and extensive deforestation. For over a century, they remained rare, with only occasional sightings. Their re-colonization of the state began gradually, with the first documented nest in Cheshire, Berkshire County, in 1983.
Since then, the raven population has steadily increased and expanded eastward. By 2013, ravens were reported breeding statewide, including Cape Cod and the Islands. This resurgence is attributed to their adaptability and the recovery of suitable habitats, including their use of human-made structures for nesting. The species is experiencing population growth, reflecting a successful return to Massachusetts.