Chihuahuan Raven

The Chihuahuan Raven is a medium-large corvid of arid grasslands and deserts, entirely glossy black and closely resembling the Common Raven, but smaller with a somewhat shorter, less massive bill. Its most distinctive feature, visible only when wind ruffles the plumage or the bird is examined closely, is that the feathers of the neck and breast are white at the base rather than solid black to the skin, as in the Common Raven.

This species is well adapted to hot, arid environments and is often seen in loose flocks foraging in open grassland, agricultural fields, and along roadsides in the desert Southwest.

Key Field Marks

• Entirely glossy black plumage
• Smaller size and shorter, less deep bill than Common Raven
• White feather bases on the neck and breast, visible when feathers are ruffled by wind (diagnostic but often not visible)
• Wedge-shaped tail, similar to Common Raven

Similar Species

• Common Raven is larger with a heavier bill and shaggier throat hackles, and its neck feathers are black to the base rather than white.
• American Crow is smaller still with a fan-shaped tail and higher-pitched caw, and generally prefers less arid habitat.

Habitat

Chihuahuan Ravens favor open desert grassland, mesquite scrub, agricultural fields, and arid rangeland, generally avoiding forested or mountainous terrain.

Range

Found across the desert Southwest, including west Texas, southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and northern Mexico, within the Chihuahuan Desert region for which it is named.

Migration

Most populations are resident, though some birds move locally or short distances in response to food availability and drought conditions.

Behavior

Chihuahuan Ravens are social, often forming loose flocks, especially outside the breeding season, and forage extensively on the ground in open country.

Voice

Calls include a flatter, more nasal croak than the Common Raven, though the two species can be difficult to distinguish by voice alone.

Feeding

Diet is broadly omnivorous, including insects, small reptiles and mammals, carrion, grain, and seeds, often foraging in agricultural fields.

Nesting

Pairs build a stick nest in a tree, yucca, utility pole, or other elevated structure in open country; the female incubates 5-7 pale green, spotted eggs.