Distinguishing the American Crow and Common Raven

As biologists and environmental scientists, even we sometimes mix up the American Crow and the Common Raven. They are remarkably similar, but with a bit of practice, you can tell them apart. Here’s how to differentiate these two members of the Corvid family.

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) vs. Common Raven (Corvus corax)

Both the American Crow and the Common Raven share many traits: they're black, “thick-necked,” and thrive in human-altered environments. However, several key differences can help you tell them apart:

“Caw vs. Croak: The American Crow is known for its classic “caw caw” call, whereas the Common Raven produces a deeper, more guttural croak. Check out this video for a great comparison.
Size: Crows are smaller, averaging about 20 inches in length, compared to the larger Raven, which averages around 27 inches.
Bill: Ravens have a larger bill that can appear longer than their head, while the crow's bill is more moderate in size, being slightly smaller than its head.
Tail: When in flight, the crow’s tail appears slightly rounded, while the raven’s tail tapers to a point.
Wings: Crows have a shorter wingspan, averaging 36 inches, compared to the raven's 46 inches. Additionally, crows have five “feather fingers” at the wingtips, whereas ravens have four.

For a visual comparison, check out this infographic, which includes additional distinguishing features like the raven’s aerobatic flight patterns and shaggier neck feathers.