With the onset of autumn, the cities are filled with cries of ravens, which are constantly circling until the arrival of spring. At the sight of any large black bird, many call it "crow". But facts show that these birds are often confused with other winged birds, which are very similar to each other. It is most difficult to determine how a raven differs from a raven. Therefore, it is worth considering what both look like, and also emphasizing their difference.
Two separate views
Many people think that ravens and ravens are one type of bird. They are sure that it’s just a male and a female, just like they call a cat and a cat. But in reality this view is erroneous. Of course, these two birds belong to the squad of ravens, but they are representatives of two different species. For example, ravens have their own females. It is interesting that in English there is no such confusion with the names. So, they have a crow called - "crow", and a raven - "raven". But before summing up and determining how a raven differs from a raven, it is worth knowing the features of these two species.
Raven
This representative is kind of the largest of all. The body of the bird reaches 60-65 cm in length. Wingspan is an average of one and a half meters. Females are slightly smaller: their mass ranges from 800 to 1300 g, the weight of males is approximately 1100 - 1550 g. The color of the plumage is always monophonic and has a beautiful tint of lilac or greenish color. By the way, this is one of the features that allows you to determine how a raven differs from a raven. Although young individuals do not have an overflow, with age, birds acquire this beauty. The eye color of the bird is dark, with a brown iris, and the beak is black, it is pointed and powerful. The claws of the winged are bent and very strong. When the bird is flying, it is noticeable that its tail is wedge-shaped. In freedom, this feathered one can live up to 15 years, and in captivity almost up to 40! The raven feeds mainly on the meat of dead animals and birds. They can also hunt other flying birds and their chicks, rodents, insects, eat eggs and fish.
Crow
This bird is smaller than a crow. Its length usually does not exceed 50 centimeters. This feathered representative is found almost anywhere in the city, in the forest, in open spaces and at sea. Their nests most often fly on trees. There are gray and black breeds of this bird. Gray ones are calmer and more careful. Although these birds live in pairs, by the fall they go in numerous flocks. In addition, the crow is easy to tame, and she can eat with her hands, although attachment to a particular person can not be expected from her. By the way, this is the difference between these two birds, because the raven is afraid of human presence. What else stands out the raven from the crow, what is the difference between these birds, because they are similar to each other in their color and shape? It is also interesting that the common black crow is often confused with other representatives of birds of the same genus, for example, with a rook, a jackdaw and even a magpie. Therefore, it is useful to know the characteristics of each bird.
What is the difference?
So, having learned about the features of these two birds, you can understand how the raven differs from the raven. To begin with, it is practically impossible to meet a raven in the city, because these birds are trying to stay away from humans. Crows, on the contrary, often circle the city in search of nuts and other goodies. Also, the flight of the first bird is very similar to predator planning, none of this family has such a feature. In addition, in flight, another difference is noticeable: if you look at the tail, then the crow is flat, and the crow is wedge-shaped. Also in the pictures you can see the difference between a raven and a raven. The photo shows the sizes of both birds. Yes, a crow is slightly smaller than its cousin. In addition, if a raven can only be black, then a raven can be gray.
Jackdaw
To understand how a jackdaw differs from a crow, it is worth considering the special features of this bird. Typically, jackdaws have a body length in the range of 34-39 centimeters. Weight does not exceed 280 grams. The main feature by which these two birds can be distinguished is the color of plumage and size.
Jackdaws are black, but the head and chest are mostly silver gray. The eyes of the birds are bright, can be greenish or with blue. The iris is almost white. Since this bird needs a roof over its head, it lives near those houses where there are loopholes in the attic or in the ventilation openings. Typically, these birds "bunch" in flocks and often live with rooks, which, incidentally, some also confuse with ravens.
Rook
To determine how a rook differs from a crow, it is necessary to find out its characteristic features. The color of this bird is always black and has a purple hue. And the older the winged one, the brighter the base of its beak. In very old individuals, this area may completely lose the black pigment. In size, the rook resembles a crow, it also does not grow more than 50 cm. Weight ranges from 400 grams.
Rooks are migratory birds and return home in the spring. Although in recent years they are increasingly staying in the city for the winter. They eat a variety of foods. They look for seeds, rummage in waste, regale themselves with worms and insects. Sometimes they can catch a mouse. Many of their actions are similar to other birds, so the question arises “how is a rook different from a crow”. Although they are the same size and the same color, the crow has a slightly wider beak. You can also pay attention to gait. At the rooks, she steps over, and they seem to crouch when they stand still, and the crows basically jump and stretch. As was noted, adult individuals on the beak have a bright area, and on this basis they can be easily distinguished from the crow.
Magpie
Magpie is a real beauty who has a contrasting black and white plumage. But, surprisingly, many can still confuse it with other ravens. Therefore, it will be interesting to consider how the crow differs from magpies, because their sizes, beak and shape are similar in everything. This white-sided bird also has a length of about 50 centimeters, and its weight is a little more than 200 grams.
A special difference between these two crows is the color. If the crow has an unsightly black or gray plumage, then the magpie has a festive season. Black areas have a blue tint. The black tail is a slightly different tone, it is greenish. Also, in addition to the white abdomen, the bird has “white shoulders” on its shoulders. In addition, the difference can be seen in the structure of the tail. In magpies, it is stepped in shape and longer than its body. If this bird is found in the city, then most likely it sits on the tops of trees or flies through the park area.
This “funny” bird can be distinguished by various sounds that an ordinary crow cannot make. Magpies can not just scream, they like to chirp, hiss, gently click and grunt. These birds practically do not stray in flocks, they hover one by one, can briefly unite in a small group, and in the spring meet their mate, with whom they remain for life.