Crows vs Ravens

Alright, so I'm horrible with this blog. It's been months. MONTHS. To anyone whose interest I've piqued, I'm sorry for disappointing. I promise to do better in the future!

For today's topic, I chose to research the difference between ravens and crows. I really love these birds. Any lover of Halloween loves these birds, really. It's because they're spooky looking and tend to be associated with death. At least, that's why I love them so much. Anyway, allow me to get started.

Ravens and crows belong to the same genus (for those of you who don't understand what a genus is..just like I didn't...here is the dictionary definition): corvus. They also (obviously) share the same family: corvidae. Other corvidae include magpies and jays.

Ravens

The first difference one would notice between a crow and a raven is that the raven is much larger. A raven is about the size of a hawk, with a typical 4' wingspan. Ravens have bigger, heavier-looking beaks and have tufts around their throats. Their tails also come to a point at the end. In the sun, they'll have either a purple or blue tint to their black wings.

A raven's call is quite deep and raspy; however, they are able to imitate the sounds of other birds and creatures. Here is a place you can find the different calls.

Ravens like to hunt in solitude, so they typically live in isolated places. They will occasionally live near cities; and when they do, they're quick to find the more nature-y places in town.

Crows

Crows are smaller--about the size of a dove or a pigeon--with a wingspan of 3', typically. Their beaks are more petite, and their tails create a nice rounded fan shape. Their feathers will either have a green or blue tint under the sun. Crows are much more sleek looking.

A crow's call is high pitched (or at least higher than the raven's) and more clear. The link above provides sound bites of both birds.

Crows aren't picky about where they live. They can be found anywhere, really. The fact that they are most frequently seen in cities proves that they're more tolerant to the constant commotion and competition of life around different creatures. A crow can live up to 8 years (whereas a raven can live up to 30 years).

Here are a couple more links I couldn't tactfully sneak in:
Info on the birds
A YouTube video showing the difference in sizes (I want a pet raven so badly! Jealous!)

Upon researching all this, I came to the conclusion that the bird I'm really in love with is the raven. The raven is pretty awesome. I mean, the crow is cool; but the raven takes the cake. It's like the crow is Ron Weasley--he tries real hard, but isn't that exemplary--and then here comes the raven, Bill and/or Charlie Weasley, crapping all over Ron's party because of their awesomeness. Ok, I'm done.

I hope you enjoyed my little research party. And as before mentioned, I will start blogging here more frequently! Have a spooky Saturday!