Finally, a Common Raven landed in one of the fall-colored Honey Locust trees in our Aldea front yard. It was really making a racket and was interested in something on the ground that also had other birds creating a fuss. I heard it and grabbed my camera as it was so close to the house and close to where I was sitting.
It is rare to catch this stunning black bird in perfect light with blue sky in the background. We also have American Crows in Aldea but this is a Common Raven. You can tell by the large size of the bird and also by the very large, long beak. Also a giveaway was the fact that the bird was alone. Crows tend to be in groups and make the typical “caw-caw” calls. Also, Common Ravens have longer wedge-shaped tails with longer middle tail feathers than American Crows.
Ravens emit lower chattering and clicking sounds. Ravens are omnivores and feed on carrion, insects, human food waste, grains, berries, fruit, and small animals. I have seen them take out rats. Ravens are smart birds and are known for their problem-solving skills. They are acrobatic flyers and have even been observed flying upside down for as far as a mile. In many cultures the raven is viewed as a symbol of wisdom, fertility, and creation.
A group of ravens is know as a “bazaar”, “constable”, “rant”, “storytelling” (my personal favorite), and an “unkindness” of ravens.
Click on photos to enlarge.
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