Loki, Raven
Latin Name
Corvus corax
Family
Corvidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Common ravens typically live for approximately 10–15 years in the wild, although some survive considerably longer. The British Trust for Ornithology records a maximum age of 17 years, 11 months and 15 days for a ringed raven in Britain and Ireland.
Captivity: Ravens can live for approximately 40–50 years when provided with appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, social interaction and mental stimulation. Claims that ravens routinely live for 70 or 80 years are based largely on anecdotal reports rather than typical recorded lifespans.
Body size
Common ravens are powerfully built birds with thick necks, heavy bills, shaggy throat feathers and distinctive wedge-shaped tails. Males are generally larger than females.
- Weight: Approximately 800–1,500g (1.8–3.3 lb).
- Height/body length: Approximately 56–69cm (22–27 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 120–150cm (47–59 in).
Their size, diamond-shaped tail and deep croaking call help distinguish ravens from carrion crows.
Native habitat
Common ravens have an enormous native range covering much of the Northern Hemisphere. They are found across:
- The UK and Europe
- Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland
- Much of northern and central Asia
- Parts of the Middle East and North Africa
- Canada, the United States and parts of Central America
Ravens are extremely adaptable and occupy habitats ranging from Arctic tundra and coastal cliffs to mountains, moorland, farmland, forests, grassland, scrub and desert.
In Britain, ravens were once associated mainly with rugged uplands and coastal areas in the north and west. Their range has expanded, and they can now also be found across areas of lowland farmland and forestry.
Ravens usually nest on inaccessible cliff ledges or in tall trees. They may also use quarries, electricity pylons, bridges and tall buildings. Their nests are large structures made from sticks and lined with softer materials such as wool, grass, moss and animal hair.
Diet
Common ravens are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders and highly effective scavengers. Their diet can include:
- Carrion
- Small mammals
- Birds, chicks and eggs
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Insects and other invertebrates
- Seeds, grains and nuts
- Fruit and berries
- Human food waste
Carrion forms an important part of their diet, particularly during winter. Ravens often investigate carcasses but may initially approach unfamiliar food cautiously to ensure it is safe.
They also cache food, hiding items such as meat, eggs, bones and nuts to retrieve later. Ravens possess excellent spatial memories and can remember the locations of multiple food stores. They may also watch other ravens hiding food and return later to steal it—while taking precautions to prevent others from doing the same to them.
Get to know Pip
Loki is a social media superstar and has appeared on Assasins Creed and music videos for the Raven Age. he likes to mimic his humans and has taught Nox a few weird and wonderful sounds so now we get it in stereo! He is a favourite on our experience days and has his own raven experience dedicated to him so we can keep up with his fans.
Fun Fact!
Ravens are considered among the world’s most intelligent birds. They can solve multi-stage puzzles, learn through observation, use their experience to approach new problems and distinguish between individual people.
They also have complex social lives and an extensive vocal repertoire. More than 30 types of vocalisation have been recorded, and ravens living in human care may learn to imitate environmental sounds and elements of human speech. Their intelligence means they require regular mental stimulation, varied training and challenging enrichment—something Loki demonstrates particularly well