Specie's Page                                               Common Raven - Garden and Hedgerow

Common Raven:   UK Status: Resident.

Habitat: This species prefers rocky and craggy areas, especially around the coast. Sometimes very large mature trees an parks and woodland are used for nesting, as are tall buildings, especially older ones such as castles. Ravens are mainly found in the north and west in the UK, in recent years they have started to extend their breeding range, and are moving eastwards. Ravens are found in many different places around the world.

Breeding: This bird makes a large nest of interwoven sticks, the deep cup is  lined with mud roots and animal hair, and is usually placed in very tall sturdy trees, or cliff ledges. They lay two to seven pale blue green eggs, speckled and blotched with brown makings.  The eggs are very elongate in shape, and take about three weeks to hatch. Ravens nest very early in the year, and often lay their one clutch of eggs in late January, or early February.

Comment: This bird is often associated with the tower of London in the UK, and their are many legends associated with the bird.  Ravens are larger and more stoutly built than crows and Rooks, the tail when in flight appears diamond shaped.