The raven is a massive crow, even bigger than a buzzard, which can be found on mountains and in forests where it feeds on carrion. The raven has been expanding its range in recent years, although it is still only found in rural areas. Ravens nest on cliffs around the coast, on mountains, in quarries and in large trees in parkland. Ravens pair for life; males perform breeding displays of posturing, preening and bill caressing from February onwards, and females lay four to six blue-green eggs in a nest of twigs and moss.
How to identify
Much larger than the other crows, the raven is all-black, with a strong, heavy bill and a long, wedge-shaped tail.
Did you know?
Steeped in myth and legend, tame ravens famously guard the Tower of London. It is believed that if the ravens leave, the City of London will fall.
