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The common raven (Corvus corax) is a large all-black passerine bird that is sometimes known as the western raven or northern raven when discussing raven subspecies. It is the most extensively dispersed of the corvids, being found across the Northern Hemisphere. Although a recent study has revealed considerable genetic variations across populations from diverse areas, there are at least eight subspecies with little diversity in appearance. The common raven, along with the thick-billed raven, is one of the two biggest corvids and arguably the heaviest passerine bird; at maturity, it is 63 centimeters (25 inches) in length and weighs 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds). Although their normal life is much shorter, common ravens may survive in the wild for more than 23 years, which is only surpassed by a few Australian species such as the satin bowerbird and perhaps the lyrebirds among passerines. Young birds fly in groups, but they eventually mate for life, with each mated pair protecting its own territory.

For thousands of years, common ravens have coexisted with humans, and in certain regions, they have become so abundant that they are considered pests. Their omnivorous diet contributes to their survival as a species: they eat carrion, insects, cereal grains, berries, fruit, small animals, nesting birds, and food waste, among other things.

The common raven is exceptionally clever, as evidenced by some remarkable problem-solving accomplishments. It has been the topic of mythology, folklore, art, and literature for ages. The common raven has long been venerated as a spiritual figure or godlike creature in many civilizations, including Scandinavian indigenous cultures, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan, the northwest coast of North America, and Siberia and northeast Asia.

The common raven was one of several species described by Carl Linnaeus in his influential 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae, and it currently goes by the name Corvus corax. It is the type species of the Corvus genus, which is named after the Latin word for “raven.” The Latinized version of the Greek word corax, which means ‘raven’ or ‘crow,’ is used as the particular epithet.

All other Germanic languages have cognates for raven, including Old Norse (and later modern Icelandic) hrafn and Old High German (h)raban, which all stem from Proto-Germanic *khrabanas. Both this bird and the carrion crow are known by the old Scottish term corby or corbie, which is similar to the French corbeau. “Unkindness” and “conspiracy” are collective nouns for a bunch of ravens (or at least the common raven).

The Brown-necked raven is the common raven’s closest relative.

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