Portal:Birds/Selected species/2007-28

The common raven (Corvus corax), is a large all-black passerine bird in the crow family. Found across the Northern Hemisphere, it is the most widely distributed of all corvids. It has coexisted with humans for thousands of years, and in some areas has been so successful that it is considered a pest. Common ravens are extremely versatile and opportunistic in finding sources of nutrition, feeding on carrion, insects and food waste, in addition to cereal grains, berries, fruit and small animals. Some remarkable feats of problem-solving have been observed in the species, leading to the belief that it is highly intelligent. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art and literature. In many indigenous cultures, including those of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland and Wales, Bhutan and the northwest coast of North America, the common raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or god.