The common raven (Corvus corax), is the largest bird of the crow family: it is twice heavier than a common crow. Also known as the northern raven, it is a large all-black passerine bird found across the Northern Hemisphere. They have black plumage and large beaks. Ravens can soar high above the trees, unlike crows, which rely on active flight. Ravens are capable of aerial stunts similar to those executed by the birds of prey. The Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Semitic and Siberian legends depict the raven as a messenger of storms or bad weather. In African, Asian and European legends, the raven forecasts death. Shakespeare presents ravens as messengers or exponents of evil. Ravens can imitate birds with the same vocal note, mimicking perfectly the crows. Ravens mate for life and live in pairs in a fixed territory.
See also: Thick billed raven
