The intelligent corvids, including crows and ravens, often inhabit human-modified landscapes. Their presence in cities like Las Vegas reveals their remarkable ability to coexist with human development. This article clarifies which corvid species are found in Las Vegas, how they adapt to a desert city, and how to tell them apart.
Crows and Ravens in Las Vegas
Both common ravens and American crows are found in the Las Vegas area, though their populations differ significantly. Common ravens are highly prevalent throughout the region, a common sight in both urban and desert environments. American crows, in contrast, are uncommon in Las Vegas, primarily observed in agricultural areas. Many large, black birds seen in the city are common ravens, often mistaken for crows. The estimated raven population in Nevada alone was about 370,000 individuals in 2019, indicating their strong presence.
Adapting to the Urban Desert
Common ravens demonstrate remarkable adaptability, allowing them to thrive in Las Vegas’s urban desert environment. As opportunistic omnivores, they consume a wide variety of food sources, readily scavenging human discards and roadkill for a consistent food supply. They access water from artificial sources like irrigation and ponds. For nesting, ravens utilize natural cliffs and human-made structures such as power-line towers, billboards, and bridges. This flexibility in nesting sites, combined with reduced urban predation, supports their success.
Distinguishing Crows from Ravens
Several observable characteristics distinguish crows from ravens. Ravens are noticeably larger than crows, similar in size to a Red-tailed Hawk, while crows are closer to the size of a pigeon. A raven’s wingspan can reach up to 46 inches, compared to an American crow’s 36-inch wingspan.
Their beaks also differ; ravens have a larger, heavier, and more robust beak, often with a slight curve, while crows have a comparatively smaller and thinner bill. When observing them closely, ravens have shaggy feathers around their throat, known as hackles, which are smooth on crows.
In flight, a key distinction is the tail shape: ravens have a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, whereas crows have a fan-shaped or squared-off tail. Ravens also tend to soar and glide more frequently, while crows typically flap their wings more steadily during flight.
Vocalizations offer another clear way to tell them apart. Ravens produce a deep, throaty croaking sound, often described as a “prruk-prruk-prruk” or “gronk-gronk.” Crows, conversely, are known for their familiar, harsh “caw-caw” call. These distinct sounds are often the most reliable identifier when visual cues are difficult to discern.