Common ravens are present in Seattle. While American crows are more frequently observed in Seattle’s highly urbanized areas, ravens can be found in various parts of the city and its surrounding regions. Their presence offers a chance for residents and visitors to observe these intelligent birds.
Identifying Ravens
Distinguishing ravens from American crows is challenging due to their similar all-black plumage. Ravens are noticeably larger, often compared to the size of a Red-tailed Hawk, with a wingspan up to 45 inches, significantly more than a crow’s typical 36-inch span. This size difference is a primary indicator when birds are viewed side-by-side or in flight.
Their vocalizations also offer a clear distinction: ravens typically produce a deeper, throaty croaking sound, in contrast to the higher-pitched “caw-caw” of crows. In flight, ravens tend to soar and glide more frequently on thermal currents, showcasing their longer, less rounded wings. Crows are known for more continuous flapping.
Another reliable identifier is tail shape: a raven’s tail appears wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped when spread in flight, due to longer central feathers, while a crow’s tail is fan-shaped with feathers of more uniform length. At closer range, ravens exhibit a thicker, more curved beak and shaggy feathers, known as hackles, around their throat, which are less prominent or absent in crows. These features help differentiate between the two birds.
Where to Spot Them in Seattle
Common ravens, while less common in the densest urban centers compared to crows, can be found within Seattle, particularly in areas that offer larger, more open spaces and natural habitats. They prefer wilder landscapes, including forested areas, large parks, and coastal bluffs, which provide foraging opportunities and nesting sites. These preferences differ from crows, which readily adapt to suburban environments with scattered trees and lawns.
Specific locations in Seattle where ravens have been sighted include Discovery Park, a large natural area offering diverse habitats and expansive views, and Lincoln Park in West Seattle, known for its wooded areas and proximity to Puget Sound. The Washington Park Arboretum has also been noted as a place to observe ravens, particularly around areas with mature trees. While ravens are less prevalent in the core urban corridor from Everett to Olympia, their presence is more likely in the city’s peripheral, wilder zones and along the outer coast.
For those seeking to observe ravens, focusing on these larger green spaces and natural preserves around Seattle can increase the likelihood of a sighting. These areas provide tall trees for nesting and perching, along with open spaces for their characteristic soaring flight patterns. While not as ubiquitous as crows, ravens are part of Seattle’s avian landscape.