Common ravens, often subjects of curiosity due to their intelligence and striking appearance, are indeed present in Ohio. These large, all-black birds have a complex history in the state, marked by their historical presence, a period of absence, and a recent return. Understanding their population dynamics, distinguishing features, and ecological roles can help clarify their place in Ohio’s natural landscape.
Ohio’s Raven Population
Before European settlement, common ravens were a familiar sight across Ohio, likely the most prevalent corvid. However, extensive deforestation for agriculture and development during the 19th century led to a significant decline in their numbers. By 1900, common ravens were considered extirpated from Ohio, with the last known nesting occurring in the late 1800s in the Black Swamp region of northwest Ohio.
These adaptable birds have been steadily expanding their breeding range back into the Appalachian region, including Ohio. Scattered sightings began to increase in southeastern Ohio in the decade leading up to 2008, as scout birds explored habitats. A significant milestone occurred in 2008 when the first verified raven nest was discovered in Fernwood State Forest in Jefferson County, with five young birds documented. Ravens continue to re-establish themselves, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the state, where remote forested areas and cliffs provide suitable environments.
Identifying Ravens
Distinguishing common ravens from American crows can be challenging. However, several characteristics help in identification. Ravens are noticeably larger than crows, with a wingspan that can reach up to 46 inches, compared to a crow’s 36 inches. A raven’s body length ranges from 20 to 27 inches, while a crow is about 17 inches long.
Their tail shape in flight offers a visual cue: ravens have a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, whereas crows have a fan-shaped or rounded tail. When flying, ravens soar and glide more like hawks, while crows flap their wings more steadily. Vocalizations also differ; ravens produce a deep, croaking or guttural sound, often described as a “gronk-gronk,” in contrast to the sharper, common “caw-caw” of a crow. Ravens possess a larger, more robust beak with shaggy throat feathers, which are less prominent on crows.
Raven Ecology in Ohio
Common ravens in Ohio prefer habitats of remote forested areas, cliffs, and certain rural landscapes. They choose high cliff walls or tall conifers for nesting, with nests constructed from large sticks and twigs and lined with softer materials like moss and animal hair. These nests can be reused for multiple seasons, with new material added each year.
Ravens are intelligent and adaptable omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes insects, eggs, small amphibians, rodents, and carrion. They are opportunistic feeders, scavenging for food, including roadkill and discarded human food. Their intelligence is evident in their problem-solving abilities and communication, sometimes working in pairs to acquire food or using gestures to indicate objects to other ravens. While young ravens may form social groups, breeding pairs maintain territories and are seen in pairs or small family units.