The Common Raven (\(Corvus \ corax\)) is a highly intelligent, large passerine bird found across the Northern Hemisphere. This corvid is one of the most widely distributed, immediately catching the eye due to its impressive size and entirely black, glossy plumage. Understanding its weight provides a foundational metric for appreciating its ecological role and physical dominance in its varied habitats.
The Core Answer: Typical Weight Range
The Common Raven is the heaviest species in the order Passeriformes, a group commonly known as perching birds or songbirds. An adult raven typically weighs between 689 grams and 1,625 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds). The average weight for a mature Common Raven is often cited around 1.2 to 1.47 kilograms (2.6 to 3.2 pounds). This substantial body mass makes the raven a formidable presence, with some of the largest individuals nearing 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). Individual weight can fluctuate based on several biological and environmental factors.
Factors Influencing Body Mass
The wide range in raven weight is largely explained by natural biological variations, including sexual dimorphism and geographic location.
Sexual Dimorphism
Like many bird species, the Common Raven exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger and heavier than females. This difference in body mass is a common pattern across many bird groups.
Geographic Location
Geographic location is another major determinant of body mass, reflecting a general ecological principle known as Bergmann’s Rule. Ravens living in colder, northern climates, such as Alaska or Greenland, tend to be significantly larger and heavier than those in warmer, southern ranges. This increased size provides a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio, which is beneficial for conserving body heat.
Seasonal Changes
Individual weight also undergoes seasonal changes in response to the annual cycle of cold weather and breeding demands. Wild birds generally weigh the most during the winter months, storing extra fat reserves to help them survive lower temperatures and scarce food. Their weight then tends to decrease during the spring and summer breeding season due to the energy expenditure on nesting and feeding young.
Comparing Ravens and Crows
Confusion often exists between the Common Raven and the American Crow (\(Corvus \ brachyrhynchos\)), but weight is the most noticeable differentiator.
Weight Comparison
The American Crow is substantially smaller, with a typical weight range of 316 to 620 grams (11.2 to 21.9 ounces). The average raven weighs more than twice as much as the average crow, meaning even the heaviest crow barely overlaps with the lightest raven.
Physical Distinctions
Beyond weight, several other physical metrics confirm the raven’s greater mass and size. The Common Raven has a wingspan ranging from 116 to 153 centimeters (46 to 60 inches), while the American Crow’s wingspan is noticeably shorter, typically between 85 and 100 centimeters (33 to 39 inches). The raven also possesses a much thicker, heavier bill compared to the crow’s more streamlined beak.
Tail Shape and Flight
Finally, the shape of the tail in flight provides a distinct identifier. The Common Raven displays a long, wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, a feature that helps with their characteristic soaring and gliding flight. In contrast, the American Crow has a shorter, fan-shaped or squared-off tail, and its flight is characterized by more constant flapping.