Comparison · Field Guide
Raven vs Jackdaw
[science] Size is the fastest mark: Jackdaws are roughly half a raven's length. Jackdaws also have pale silvery-blue eyes (visible at close range), a grey nape, and a distinctive "chack" call. Ravens are entirely black with dark eyes and a deep croak.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Common Raven Corvus corax | Jackdaw Corvus monedula |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 56–69 cm | 30–34 cm |
| Wingspan | 120–150 cm | 64–73 cm |
| Weight | 689–1,625 g | 136–265 g |
| Eye colour | Dark brown/black | Pale silvery-blue (adult) |
| Plumage | Entirely black | Grey nape and ear region |
| Voice | Deep croak "kronk" | Sharp "chack" or "jack" |
| Social behaviour | Pairs or small groups | Large flocks (sometimes thousands) |
| Nest sites | Cliff ledges, tall trees | Holes — chimneys, church towers, cliffs |
Source: Madge & Burn (1994).1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you confuse a raven with a Jackdaw?
Size alone should eliminate the confusion in most cases: Jackdaws are 30–34 cm long — roughly half a raven's length. At distance in a large flock, they might look "big black birds", but up close the Jackdaw's pale eye, grey nape, and compact build are unmistakeable. Voice: Jackdaws "chack", ravens croak.
Sources
- Madge, S. & Burn, H. (1994). Crows and Jays. Christopher Helm. — all measurements and field marks.
[science] field-guide data