The aerobatic fan-tailed raven (Corvus rhipidurus), one of the smaller raven species, its rounded tail gives it a distinctive shape in flight. It lives on high desert cliffs or arid country throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Arabia, usually in midsize groups. The wings have a broad base -- ideal for vulture-like soaring on thermals and travelling long distances in search of food. But when in flight, it has a bat-like appearance due to the stubby rounded (fan) tail and broad wings.
