Crows vs. Ravens: Can You Tell the Difference in Arizona?

As I sat here trying to decide what to write next, I heard a loud kronking sound outside my door. Perched at the top of a tree a few feet away was a very large corvid, my friend the Raven.

He or she—I've never had a chance to ask for clarification—is part of our neighborhood, and I think he's made this his territory. I feel honored he chose our land to put down roots. I am fascinated by Arizona's corvids and can't wait to see what else he shares with us.

What is a Corvid?

What, you may ask, is a corvid? A corvid, according to Wikipedia, is a bird that belongs to the family Corvidae. Birds in this family are among the most intelligent and adaptable in the world, and I'm a fan of all of them.

The corvidae family includes:

• Crows
• Ravens
• Magpies
• Jays
• Nutcrackers
• Jackdaws

These highly intelligent birds are incredible problem solvers and even use tools to get things done. Unlike some of the people in politics these days, corvids can wrap their heads around complex concepts like cause and effect. (I jest...well, kind of.)

Corvids are also very social, and many live in complex social groups. And just like the Raven outside my window, these guys communicate with a variety of calls. They speak their own fowl language, if you will.

Want to learn more about birds in the desert? Read this: You Can Become a Wildlife Hero with the Tucson Wildlife Center

How Are Ravens Different from Crows in Arizona?

It seems like everything in Arizona is its own kind of special, and corvids are no exception. Arizona corvids are a unique experience. Even though you can find them in nearly every other part of the United States, American Crows are surprisingly rare in southern Arizona.

You’re much more likely to spot a Common Raven or its desert cousin, the Chihuahuan Raven. These birds thrive in our wild, open spaces, and there's a good chance you'll see one anywhere from the canyon rims to the desert highways. So, if you see a big black bird in Sierra Vista, Tucson, or Phoenix, odds are it’s a raven, not a crow.

What Physical Traits Help You Tell Them Apart?

I've had friendly arguments with friends about how to tell these birds apart. To give you the upper hand (upper wing?), here's a handy guide on how to tell the difference between ravens and crows in Arizona.

Size is your first clue: Ravens are large and thick, about the size of a hawk, while crows are more pigeon-sized, according to the Audubon Society.

Raptors in the desert are sight to behold. Read about them here: The Top 5 Raptors You'll See in Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Check out those tail feathers: Ravens have wedge-shaped tails and thick, curved beaks (perfect for satisfying their carnivorous side). Crows have fan-shaped tails and slimmer, straighter beaks.

Look at that neckline: Ravens have shaggy throat feathers, called hackles, that give them a scruffier (and I think, a more street smart) look.

Smooth flying: And in flight? Ravens soar and glide like pros, while crows flap more frequently.

Where Do You See Them, and What Should You Listen For?

Ravens are everywhere in Arizona. They really like their solitude or living in small family groups. Crows are much more boisterous and prefer to hang out in noisy flocks.

Listen closely: Crows have a more polite “caw-caw,” while ravens croak a deep “kronk.” If you hear something that sounds like a rusty door hinge or a dog bark with a sore throat, it’s probably a raven showing off.

So, Is That a Raven or a Crow?

If you’re in Arizona and you spot a large black bird soaring with a wedge-shaped tail and croaking like it’s got a sore throat, it’s a raven.

If it’s smaller, flapping more, and yelling “caw!”, you might have found a rare crow. Either way, you’ve met one of nature’s smartest, sassiest birds.

I'm honored I was chosen to be part of this Raven's territory and look forward to more of his loud pronouncements.

Here's how you can tell the difference between the calls of a raven and a crow, thanks to YouTube user Cornell Lab of Ornithology: