When observing a large, striking black bird in the central United States, many people wonder if they have encountered a raven. Both the familiar crow and the less common raven belong to the intelligent Corvidae family, characterized by dark plumage and complex behaviors. Determining which bird you have seen requires understanding the specific geographic range and subtle physical differences between these two species. This article clarifies the distribution of ravens in the state of Kansas and provides identification tips to distinguish them from their more abundant relative.
Raven Presence in Kansas
The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is not a widespread or established resident across most of Kansas. Historically, populations were largely extirpated by the early 20th century, and the main breeding range of this species generally lies far to the west or north. Recent ornithological records indicate a slight expansion, with rare breeding activity noted in the extreme southwestern corner of the state, specifically in Morton County. This activity, which includes the first successful nesting record of the Common Raven since the late 1800s, suggests only a minimal, localized presence. The Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) is also a resident found in the western one-fourth of Kansas, but for the vast majority of the state, a sighting of a large, black corvid is not likely to be a raven.
The Common Kansas Corvid
The bird almost universally observed and mistaken for a raven in Kansas is the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). This species is abundant and highly adaptable, inhabiting nearly every environment across the state, from dense woodlands to agricultural fields and city parks. The American Crow is found year-round and its large, completely black appearance naturally leads observers to question if they are seeing a raven. The crow’s intelligence, social behavior, and tendency to gather in large, noisy winter roosts often draw attention, reinforcing its visibility across the landscape. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on insects, seeds, waste grain, and carrion, which makes them a common sight in human-altered environments.
Telling Crows and Ravens Apart
Size and Structure
The most immediate difference between the two species is their sheer size. The Common Raven is substantially larger than the American Crow, often described as being about the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. Ravens average 22 to 27 inches in length and can weigh up to 57 ounces, compared to crows, which measure 17 to 21 inches with a body mass around 11 to 22 ounces. The raven also possesses a noticeably bulkier head and a heavier, more robust bill proportional to its body. When perched, a raven displays shaggy, bristly throat feathers, known as hackles, which are smooth and less prominent on the crow.
Tail Shape
Observing the bird in flight provides a reliable visual cue based on tail feather arrangement. The American Crow has tail feathers of roughly equal length, which causes its tail to look rounded or fan-shaped when fully spread. In contrast, the Common Raven has a distinct wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, where the central tail feathers are visibly longer than the outer ones.
Vocalization
The vocalizations of these two birds are distinctly different. The American Crow is known for its familiar, sharp, and often repeated “caw-caw” call. Ravens produce a deeper, more resonant, and guttural sound, often described as a croak or “gronk-gronk.” Hearing a deep, throaty call from a large black bird is a strong indicator that you are listening to a raven.
Flight Style
Their flight patterns also differ significantly, reflecting the raven’s much larger wingspan and body mass. Crows fly with consistent, deliberate flapping of their wings. Ravens are renowned for their ability to soar and glide for extended periods, utilizing thermal updrafts much like raptors. If you observe a large black bird executing acrobatic maneuvers, such as barrel rolls, or soaring high overhead without constant flapping, it is likely a raven.