The sight of a large, jet-black bird soaring overhead often prompts confusion for residents of Missouri. These striking members of the corvid family, which includes both crows and ravens, are known for their intelligence and imposing appearance. The question of whether the impressive Common Raven is among the black birds seen in the state is frequent. Understanding the local bird population requires distinguishing between these two closely related species and knowing the geographic boundaries of their North American range.
The Definitive Answer: Are Common Ravens Found in Missouri?
The straightforward answer to whether the Common Raven (Corvus corax) is a regular presence in Missouri is no. The large corvid is not considered a resident breeding bird or a common seasonal visitor within the state’s borders. Historical data indicates the Common Raven was once a breeding species in Missouri, but it is now classified as extirpated, meaning it no longer exists there in a wild state.
The established breeding and wintering range of the Common Raven does not currently include Missouri, placing the state outside its usual distribution. While it is possible for a rare, out-of-range individual (a vagrant) to fly into the state, any sighting is highly exceptional and does not indicate a stable population. Therefore, nearly every large black bird encountered is a different, more locally common species.
Identifying the Local Corvid: Crow Versus Raven
The large black bird commonly seen throughout Missouri is the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Several distinct features separate it from the Common Raven.
Size and Appearance
The most noticeable difference is size. The Common Raven is substantially bigger, measuring 24 to 27 inches long with a wingspan averaging 46 inches. In contrast, the American Crow is smaller, typically 17 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 36 inches. A perched raven can also be identified by its heavy, thick bill and the shaggy, long feathers on its throat.
Flight and Tail Shape
When observing the birds in flight, the shape of the tail is a reliable visual cue. The American Crow displays a fan-shaped or slightly rounded tail, while the Common Raven has a distinct wedge or diamond shape, caused by longer central tail feathers. A flying raven will also spend more time soaring on air currents, occasionally demonstrating aerobatic maneuvers, whereas the crow’s flight is characterized by continuous wing flapping.
Vocalization
Vocalization provides an auditory distinction. The American Crow emits the familiar, harsh “caw, caw” call. The Common Raven, however, produces a much deeper, more resonant, and guttural sound, often described as a “croak” or “gronk-gronk.”
Raven Habitat and Range Context
The distribution of the Common Raven in North America features a significant gap across much of the central United States, where Missouri is situated. The species is widespread across the western half of the continent, including the Pacific Northwest, and is also found across the Northeast and throughout mountainous regions.
Historically, the raven population was reduced across much of its original eastern range, contributing to its disappearance from states like Missouri. The state lies within the Great Plains and forests that currently separate the main Eastern and Western raven populations. The Common Raven thrives in diverse habitats, including forests, tundra, and deserts, preferring undisturbed wilderness and rural areas over urban environments where American Crows are more common.