Ravens are present in Washington State, though often confused with crows. These dark-feathered birds are widespread, making their identification a common point of interest. Understanding where ravens live and how to distinguish them from other species can deepen appreciation for Washington’s diverse bird population.
Raven Presence in Washington State
Ravens are common and widespread in Washington State, particularly in non-urban environments. Their population in Washington has seen a significant increase, growing by 254% since 1990. While generally absent from densely developed urban corridors, such as the area from Stanwood to Olympia and the Vancouver metropolitan area, they thrive in other parts of the state. Ravens are particularly common east of the Cascade Crest and can also be found along Washington’s outer coast. They inhabit almost every type of habitat, excluding major metropolitan centers and high-elevation glacial or snowfield regions.
Telling Ravens Apart from Crows
Distinguishing ravens from crows can be challenging, but several key features differentiate them. Ravens are notably larger than crows, often comparable in size to a Red-tailed Hawk, and can weigh more than four times as much as a crow. A raven typically measures over two feet in length with a wingspan exceeding four feet, while a crow averages about 1.5 feet long with a wingspan of up to three feet. Their beaks also differ; ravens possess a heavier, more robust, and curvier beak, often accompanied by shaggy throat feathers or bristles at the base. In contrast, crows have a slimmer beak and smoother throat feathers.
Observing these birds in flight offers another reliable method of identification. Ravens exhibit a distinctive wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, a result of their longer middle tail feathers. Crows, however, display a fan-shaped or rounded tail where all feathers are roughly the same length. Ravens are also known for their soaring flight, often riding thermals and gliding for extended periods with less frequent flapping. Crows, by comparison, tend to flap their wings continuously and follow a more direct flight path, rarely soaring.
Additionally, ravens often produce a deeper, lower-pitched croaking sound, sometimes described as a “gronk-gronk.” Crows, on the other hand, are recognized by their sharper, more familiar “caw-caw” vocalizations.
Where to Find Ravens in Washington
Ravens can be found across a diverse range of environments within Washington State, typically avoiding major urban centers where crow populations are more dominant. They are particularly prevalent east of the Cascade Mountains, but also maintain a significant presence along the state’s outer coast. Their preferred habitats include dense forests, expansive sagebrush country, and open alpine parklands. These birds favor landscapes with varied topography, which often create the thermal air currents they utilize for soaring.
While ravens traditionally nest on cliffs and in trees, they have adapted to using human-made structures such as power poles and bridges for nesting sites. For instance, in Mount Rainier National Park, ravens are more commonly observed than crows, often seen soaring high into the alpine terrain. The Northern subspecies of the Common Raven (Corvus corax principalis) is the one typically found throughout the Pacific Northwest, including areas like Port Angeles.