Crow vs. Raven: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Crows are smaller, with a distinct cawing sound, while Ravens are larger, have a deeper voice, and a more wedge-shaped tail.
Key Differences
Crows are generally smaller than ravens, with a length of about 17 to 21 inches. Ravens are larger, often reaching 24 inches in length, and they have a more robust build. Both birds belong to the genus Corvus but differ significantly in size.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
The call of a crow is a high-pitched, distinct caw. Ravens, however, produce a deeper, more resonant croak. These vocal differences are one of the easiest ways to distinguish between the two in the wild.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In flight, crows have a more streamlined look and their tail feathers are basically all the same length, giving their tail a fan-shaped appearance. Ravens have wedge-shaped tails, which are noticeable particularly during flight.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
The feathers of a crow have a certain glossiness, reflecting different colors in sunlight. Ravens have shaggier throat feathers and a more iridescent sheen to their plumage, often displaying a bluish or purplish tint in the right light.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Crows are known for their adaptability and are often found in a wide variety of environments, including urban areas. Ravens prefer wilder areas, forests, and wilderness, although they can also adapt to urban settings if necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Feather Appearance
Glossy with varied reflections
Iridescent with shaggier throat feathers
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Habitat Preference
Adapt to a wide variety, including urban
Prefer wild areas but can adapt to urban
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Crow and Raven Definitions
Crow
Has glossy, varied-color feathers.
The crow's feathers shimmered in the sunlight.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Raven
Known for its iridescent plumage and shaggier throat feathers.
The raven's bluish feathers glistened in the morning light.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Crow
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting an area of the northern Great Plains between the Platte and Yellowstone Rivers, now located in southeast Montana. The Crow became nomadic buffalo hunters after migrating west from the Missouri River in North Dakota in the 18th century.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
Exhibits complex social behaviors and high intelligence.
The raven used a stick to retrieve food from a jar.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Raven
Often associated with wilderness and solitude.
A solitary raven perched on the cliff overseeing the valley.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Crow
Any of several large glossy black birds of the genus Corvus, having a characteristic raucous call, especially C. brachyrhynchos of North America.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
A large bird (Corvus corax) of the Northern Hemisphere, having black plumage and a croaking cry.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
Any of several similar birds of the genus Corvus, found in Africa, Australia, and southwestern North America.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles; it has a harsh, croaking call.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
Any of various dark-coloured nymphalid butterflies of the genus Euploea.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A bar of iron with a beak, crook or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
(historical) A gangplank (corvus) used by the Ancient Roman navy to board enemy ships.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
(derogatory) An ill-tempered and obstinate woman, or one who otherwise has features resembling the bird; a harpy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
(countable) Any of several, generally large and lustrous black species of birds in the genus Corvus, especially the common raven, Corvus corax.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
The cry of the bird known in the US as a rooster and in British English as a cockerel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
(intransitive) To make the shrill sound characteristic of a rooster; to make a sound in this manner, either in gaiety, joy, pleasure, or defiance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
(intransitive) To shout in exultation or defiance; to brag.
He’s been crowing all day about winning the game of cards.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet-black
Raven curls
Raven darkness
She was a tall, sophisticated, raven-haired beauty.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
To test the reed of a double reed instrument by placing the reed alone in the mouth and blowing it.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
To make the shrill sound characteristic of a cock, either in joy, gayety, or defiance.
The morning cock crew loud.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
(transitive) To prey on with rapacity.
The raven is both a scavenger, who ravens a dead animal almost like a vulture, and a bird of prey, who commonly ravens to catch a rodent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
To utter a sound expressive of joy or pleasure.
The sweetest little maid,That ever crowed for kisses.
Sennacherib crowing over poor Jerusalem.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles. It has a harsh, croaking note. See Caw.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
A large black passerine bird (Corvus corax), similar to the crow, but larger, and has a harsh, loud call. It is native of the northern parts of Europe, Asia and America, and is noted for its sagacity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A bar of iron with a beak, crook, or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar.
Get me an iron crow, and bring it straightUnto my cell.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet black; as, raven curls; raven darkness.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
To devour with great eagerness.
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A small quadrilateral constellation in the southern hemisphere near Virgo
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Raven
To prey with rapacity; to be greedy; to show rapacity.
Benjamin shall raven as a wolf.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
An instance of boastful talk;
His brag is worse than his fight
Whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Crow
A smaller, adaptable bird known for its distinct caw.
The crow cawed loudly from the tree top.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Raven
A larger bird with a deeper voice and wedge-shaped tail.
The raven's croak echoed through the forest.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Crow
Commonly found in various environments, including cities.
Crows gathered in the park, scavenging for food.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Raven
Prefers wilder, more natural habitats.
Ravens were spotted near the mountainous wilderness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Crow
Recognized for its intelligent behavior and problem-solving skills.
The crow figured out how to open the garbage bin.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Crow
A bird with a fan-shaped tail.
In flight, the crow's fan-shaped tail was clearly visible.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the crow known for?
Crows are known for their problem-solving skills and complex social behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'crow' used in expressions?
Yes, "as the crow flies" means the shortest distance between two points.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a crow?
A crow is a black bird, known for its intelligence and adaptability, belonging to the genus Corvus.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How to identify a crow?
Crows are medium-sized, with a stout body, thick neck, and a relatively short, rounded tail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Do crows mate for life?
Many crow species are monogamous and may mate for life.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the habitat of a crow?
Crows are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including urban areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'crow' mean to boast?
Yes, as a verb, 'to crow' can mean to express pride or triumph, often loudly.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a group of crows called?
A group of crows is often referred to as a "murder" of crows.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the sound of a crow?
Crows are known for their loud, harsh 'caw' sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How do ravens differ from crows?
Ravens are larger, have a heavier bill, shaggier feathers, and a deeper, more guttural call than crows.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the crow's diet?
Crows are omnivores and eat a wide range of food, from insects to fruit and garbage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How long do ravens live?
Ravens can live up to 15 years in the wild, and longer in captivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a raven?
A raven is a large, black bird, also part of the Corvus genus, known for its size and intelligence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the habitat of a raven?
Ravens prefer wilder areas and are often found in forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'raven' used in literature?
Yes, ravens are often depicted in mythology and literature, famously in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What does a raven symbolize?
Ravens are often associated with mystery, intelligence, and sometimes, foreboding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is the raven known for?
Ravens are known for their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and complex social dynamics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What are the social behaviors of ravens?
Ravens have complex social structures and can engage in playful activities, including aerial acrobatics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a raven's diet?
Ravens are omnivores and their diet includes insects, fruit, meat, and carrion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Do ravens mimic sounds?
Yes, ravens can mimic sounds, including human speech, much like parrots.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
