Common ravens are present in Ohio, marking a significant return for these intelligent birds. Understanding where they thrive and how they differ from other common black birds, such as crows, can enhance outdoor observations.
Raven Presence and Return in Ohio
Common ravens were once a familiar sight across Ohio’s pre-settlement wilderness. By the late 19th century, their populations experienced a severe decline. Widespread forest clearing for agriculture and development led to habitat loss, resulting in the common raven being declared locally extinct in Ohio by 1905.
Over a century later, signs of their return emerged. Raven sightings began in the early 2000s, leading to the verification of the first breeding pair in Ohio in 2008. This nesting event occurred in Jefferson County, marking a milestone after a long absence. Their re-establishment is attributed to factors like westward expansion from healthy populations in Pennsylvania and the Appalachian region. Ohio’s increasing forest cover, growing from 15 percent in 1940 to 30 percent by 2008, also provided suitable habitats.
Telling Ravens Apart from Crows
Distinguishing common ravens from American crows can be challenging due to their similar all-black appearance. However, several differences exist, with size being a primary indicator. Ravens are considerably larger, measuring 20 to 27 inches in length with a wingspan up to 46 inches. They can weigh three to four times more than crows, which are typically 16 to 21 inches long with a wingspan of 33 to 39 inches.
Their beak is another distinguishing feature. Ravens possess a noticeably larger, thicker, and more robust beak that appears more curved than the crow’s smaller, straighter bill. In flight, tail shape offers a clear clue: ravens display a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, while crows have a fan-shaped or rounded tail. Ravens also exhibit a different flight style, often soaring and gliding like hawks with less flapping due to their longer, more pointed wings. Crows typically flap their wings more consistently when flying.
Vocalizations provide another reliable identification method. Ravens produce a deep, guttural croaking sound, often described as a “croooaaak” or “wonk-wonk,” distinct from the familiar, sharper “caw-caw” of a crow. Ravens also have shaggy, fluffy feathers around their throat, known as hackles, which are absent on the smoother-necked crow.
Where to Spot Ravens in Ohio
Common ravens are most frequently spotted in Ohio’s rugged, less populated eastern and southeastern regions. These areas feature extensive forests, remote landscapes, and high cliff formations that provide ideal nesting and foraging habitats. The Appalachian foothills and reclaimed strip-mining areas with their highwalls offer suitable environments for ravens.
The first confirmed breeding nest in Ohio was found in Jefferson County at Fernwood State Forest. Other sightings and reports have come from counties such as Monroe, Washington (near Marietta), and Trumbull in northeastern Ohio, indicating their spread across the eastern part of the state. While they prefer secluded wilderness, ravens can sometimes be seen at the edges of towns or along roadsides, especially where carrion is available.