Raven vs. Crow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Ravens are larger than crows. Ravens often travel in pairs while crows are seen in larger groups. Both belong to the genus Corvus.
Difference Between Raven and Crow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ravens and crows are both members of the genus Corvus, yet they have distinctive characteristics that set them apart. The raven is the larger of the two, often standing out due to its bulkier size. In contrast, the crow is smaller and sleeker, with a size comparable to a pigeon.
The vocalizations of ravens and crows are another point of distinction. Ravens produce a deeper and more resonant croak, while crows have a higher-pitched caw. Although both birds communicate using a series of complex calls, the sounds produced by each are unmistakably unique.
Behaviorally, there are notable differences between ravens and crows. Ravens are commonly observed in pairs, signaling a monogamous bond between mates. Crows, on the other hand, are often found in larger groups or "murders," which can be seen gathering around food sources or perched on trees.
Ravens and crows exhibit intelligence and problem-solving skills, making them subjects of numerous studies. Ravens have been observed using tools and planning for future events. Crows, too, showcase their intellect by adapting to urban environments and even recognizing human faces.
From a habitat perspective, both ravens and crows are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. Ravens, however, are more associated with wilder, secluded areas. Crows are more often seen in urban settings, frequently adapting to the human-altered landscape.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Larger, often over 24 inches in length
Smaller, around 17-21 inches in length
Vocalization
Deeper croak
Higher-pitched caw
Behavior
Often seen in pairs
Typically seen in larger groups
Habitat
Wilder, secluded areas
Urban and rural areas
Intelligence
Known for tool use and future planning
Adapts to urban settings, recognizes faces
Compare with Definitions
Raven
Of a jet-black color.
She had raven-colored hair that shone under the sunlight.
Crow
A smaller, black bird known for its distinct caw.
The crow perched on the fence, eyeing the scattered crumbs.
Raven
A raven is a large bird from one of several species of the genus Corvus. These species do not form a single taxonomic group within the genus.
Crow
To exclaim in joy or exultation.
He couldn't help but crow about his success.
Raven
A large heavily built crow with mainly black plumage, feeding chiefly on carrion.
Crow
To make the characteristic sound of a rooster.
At dawn, the rooster began to crow.
Raven
(especially of hair) of a glossy black colour
Thick raven hair
Crow
A crow is a bird of the genus Corvus, or more broadly a synonym for all of Corvus.
Raven
(of a wild animal) hunt voraciously for prey
Fierce lions went ravening to and fro
Crow
A large perching bird with mostly glossy black plumage, a heavy bill, and a raucous voice.
Raven
A large bird (Corvus corax) of the Northern Hemisphere, having black plumage and a croaking cry.
Crow
An old or ugly woman
To my two sons I am still just the old crow
Raven
Any of several similar birds of the genus Corvus, found in Africa, Australia, and southwestern North America.
Crow
The cry of a cock.
Raven
Variant of ravin.
Crow
A sound made by a person expressing great pride or triumph
She gave a little crow of triumph
Raven
Voracity; rapaciousness.
Crow
Relating to the Crow or their language.
Raven
Something taken as prey.
Crow
(of a cock) utter its characteristic loud cry
She was awakened in the mornings by cocks crowing
Raven
The act or practice of preying.
Crow
(of a person) express great pride or triumph, especially in a tone of gloating satisfaction
Avoid crowing about your success
Ruby crowed with delight
‘I knew you 'd be back,’ she crowed
Raven
Black and shiny
Raven tresses.
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.
Raven
To consume greedily; devour.
Crow
The Siouan language of the Crow.
Raven
To seek or seize as prey or plunder.
Crow
Any of several large glossy black birds of the genus Corvus, having a characteristic raucous call, especially C. brachyrhynchos of North America.
Raven
To seek or seize prey or plunder.
Crow
A crowbar.
Raven
To eat ravenously.
Crow
See Corvus.
Raven
(countable) Any of several, generally large and lustrous black species of birds in the genus Corvus, especially the common raven, Corvus corax.
Crow
To utter the shrill cry characteristic of a rooster.
Raven
A jet-black colour.
Crow
To exult over an accomplishment or piece of good fortune; boast. ]
Raven
Rapine; rapacity.
Crow
A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles; it has a harsh, croaking call.
Raven
Prey; plunder; food obtained by violence.
Crow
Any of various dark-coloured nymphalid butterflies of the genus Euploea.
Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet-black
Raven curls
Raven darkness
She was a tall, sophisticated, raven-haired beauty.
Crow
A bar of iron with a beak, crook or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar.
Raven
To obtain or seize by violence.
Crow
(historical) A gangplank (corvus) used by the Ancient Roman navy to board enemy ships.
Raven
(transitive) To devour with great eagerness.
Crow
(among butchers) The mesentery of an animal.
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.
Crow
(derogatory) An ill-tempered and obstinate woman, or one who otherwise has features resembling the bird; a harpy.
Raven
(intransitive) To show rapacity; to be greedy (for something).
Crow
A black person.
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.
Crow
The emblem of an eagle, a sign of military rank.
Raven
Rapine; rapacity.
Crow
The cry of the bird known in the US as a rooster and in British English as a cockerel.
Raven
Prey; plunder; food obtained by violence.
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.
Raven
Of the color of the raven; jet black; as, raven curls; raven darkness.
Crow
(intransitive) To shout in exultation or defiance; to brag.
He’s been crowing all day about winning the game of cards.
Raven
To obtain or seize by violence.
Crow
To test the reed of a double reed instrument by placing the reed alone in the mouth and blowing it.
Raven
To devour with great eagerness.
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane.
Crow
To make the shrill sound characteristic of a cock, either in joy, gayety, or defiance.
The morning cock crew loud.
Raven
To prey with rapacity; to be greedy; to show rapacity.
Benjamin shall raven as a wolf.
Crow
To shout in exultation or defiance; to brag.
Raven
Large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail
Crow
To utter a sound expressive of joy or pleasure.
The sweetest little maid,That ever crowed for kisses.
Sennacherib crowing over poor Jerusalem.
Raven
Obtain or seize by violence
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.
Raven
Prey on or hunt for;
These mammals predate certain eggs
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.
Raven
Eat greedily;
He devoured three sandwiches
Crow
The mesentery of a beast; - so called by butchers.
Raven
Feed greedily;
The lions ravened the bodies
Crow
Black birds having a raucous call
Raven
A large, black bird known for its intelligence.
I watched the raven soar gracefully above the trees.
Crow
The cry of a cock (or an imitation of it)
Raven
A symbol of mystery and foreboding.
In the poem, the raven represented impending doom.
Crow
A member of the Siouan people formerly living in eastern Montana
Raven
To seek or seize plunder.
Pirates would raven the coastal villages for treasure.
Crow
A small quadrilateral constellation in the southern hemisphere near Virgo
Raven
To eat or feed voraciously.
After fasting, he began to raven his meal with intensity.
Crow
An instance of boastful talk;
His brag is worse than his fight
Whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade
Crow
A Siouan language spoken by the Crow people
Crow
Dwell on with satisfaction
Crow
Express pleasure verbally;
She crowed with joy
Crow
Utter shrill sounds;
The cocks crowed all morning
Crow
A person who gloats or boasts.
Don't be such a crow about your achievements.
Crow
Of or relating to the crow family, Corvidae.
The crow research focused on their intelligence and adaptability.
Common Curiosities
Which bird has a deeper croak, the raven or the crow?
The raven has a deeper croak, while the crow has a higher-pitched caw.
Do ravens and crows live in the same habitats?
Both can live in a variety of habitats, but ravens are more associated with wild areas, and crows are often seen in urban settings.
Are both ravens and crows intelligent?
Yes, both birds exhibit high levels of intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Is it true that ravens can use tools?
Yes, ravens have been observed using tools in various studies.
Do crows really recognize human faces?
Yes, some studies have shown that crows can recognize and remember human faces.
Are there any other birds in the Corvus genus besides ravens and crows?
Yes, the Corvus genus also includes rooks and jackdaws.
Is the raven the largest bird in the Corvus genus?
Yes, the raven is the largest species within the Corvus genus.
Are ravens and crows the same?
No, ravens are larger and often seen in pairs, while crows are smaller and seen in larger groups.
Which bird is more likely to be seen in a group, the raven or the crow?
Crows are more likely to be seen in larger groups, whereas ravens are often observed in pairs.
Which bird is associated more with symbolism, the raven or the crow?
Both have symbolic associations, but the raven is often more linked to mystery and foreboding.
Can you tell a raven from a crow based on their call?
Yes, ravens have a deep croak, while crows have a distinct caw.
Do ravens and crows have different diets?
Both are omnivores, but their specific diets can vary based on location and availability of food.
Are there cultural or mythological differences in how ravens and crows are perceived?
Yes, different cultures and myths perceive ravens and crows in varied ways, often attributing them with symbolic meanings or roles.
Which is more likely to be seen in urban settings, the raven or the crow?
The crow is more commonly seen in urban settings.
What is a group of crows called?
A group of crows is often referred to as a "murder."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
