JACKSON, Wyo. — American crows and common ravens may look similar, but there are distinctions that make it easier to tell which is which in Jackson Hole.
Both bird species belong to the corvid family. John Stephenson, wildlife biologist with Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), says corvids are omnivores notable for their adaptability and intelligence. According to Stephenson, the Canada jay, Steller’s jay, black-billed magpie, Clark’s nutcracker, American crow and common raven are the most common corvids seen in and around GTNP.
While American crows and common ravens share a similar black appearance, Stephensen says there are several ways to identify the differences.
“In flight, ravens’ tails are tapered at the end and have a diagnostic diamond or wedge shape, while crows have a shorter, fan-shaped tail.”
John Stephenson, wildlife biologist with GTNP
“Ravens are larger than crows with a more robust, heavier beak,” Stephensen told Buckrail in 2024. “Crows make a cawing sound and ravens make a deeper, croaking sound. In flight, ravens’ tails are tapered at the end and have a diagnostic diamond or wedge shape, while crows have a shorter, fan-shaped tail.”
Kaeli Swift, Ph.D. and visiting lecturer at the University of Washington, writes that raven bills are larger than crow bills due to an adaptation for consuming carrion. Swift also suggests observing the throats of perched birds to tell the difference, because American crows have smooth throat feathers and common ravens have neck “hackles” that can be articulated for behavioral displays.
Wyoming Wildlife Advocates also write on their website that, while ravens will typically travel alone or in pairs, crows tend to stay in groups called “murders.”
According to Smith, a black bird soaring for more than a few seconds is likely a common raven, who is scouting for carrion. Ravens also barrel roll to advertise their territory. Both American crows and common ravens have wide range distributions across North America.
“The most notable difference is that ravens are absent throughout most of the midwest and the southeast,” Swift writes on her website. “Crows on the other hand, occupy most American states with the exception of the southwestern part of the country.”
Swift confirms that common ravens are “residents” in their ranges, while American crows are a “partially migratory species” where northern crow populations travel south from central Canada summer breeding areas to the interior U.S.
Smith also writes that where territory overlaps, interactions between crows and ravens can often be antagonistic. Although crows might act as the “primary aggressors in conflicts,” ravens have been documented ravaging crow nests.
American crows and common ravens can also interbreed and produce young that are colloquially known as “cravens.”
Stephensen notes that while this interbreeding is possible, it is “exceptionally rare” for crows and ravens to breed and produce hybrid young. Stephensen says he’s not aware of any records confirming ravens and crows have interbred and reproduced in GTNP.
Swift writes that the closest shared ancestor between common ravens and American crows existed roughly seven million years ago.
“Although they are more visually distinct and don’t overlap geographically, American crows are more closely related to the collared crows of China, or the carrion crows of Europe, than they are to common ravens,” Swift writes.
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