SPC·04
Chihuahuan Raven
Corvus cryptoleucus
US Southwest and Mexico
LC Least Concern (LC) · BirdLife International 2020
The Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) is a medium-sized raven — 44–51 cm long — of US Southwest grasslands and Mexican deserts. Smaller than the Common Raven, with a less arched bill and a higher voice; named for the hidden white bases of its neck feathers.
Quick Facts
- Length
- 44–51 cm
- Wingspan
- 100–115 (estimated) cm
- Weight
- 430–590 g
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern (LC)
- Range
- Shortgrass plains and desert scrub of the US Southwest (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado) and northern Mexico.
- Habitat
- Arid and semi-arid grassland, desert scrub, agricultural fields; avoids dense forest and high mountains.
- Diet
- Omnivore: invertebrates, small vertebrates, carrion, grain, refuse — highly opportunistic.
- Voice
- Higher-pitched, nasal croak compared to Common Raven; also a rattling "kraa".
Field Marks — How to Identify Chihuahuan Raven
- Smaller than Common Raven; size approaches a large American Crow.
- Hidden white feather bases on the neck — visible only in strong wind or handling.
- Tail slightly rounded to nearly wedge-shaped; less pronounced wedge than Common Raven.
- Bill smaller and less arched than Common Raven.
- Voice higher and more nasal than Common Raven.
Behaviour
Often gregarious, forming large flocks outside the breeding season — unlike Common Raven. Roosts communally in numbers exceeding 1,000 at traditional sites. Nests in shrubs, trees, power pylons, more often than on cliffs.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Population declined in the late 19th century following extirpation of bison herds; has recovered with cattle ranching providing carcasses.
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell a Chihuahuan Raven from a Common Raven?
Size is the first clue: Chihuahuan Ravens are noticeably smaller. The bill is less deeply arched. The voice is higher and more nasal. Chihuahuan Ravens often flock in large groups; Common Ravens in the same range are usually solitary or in pairs outside breeding season.
Where does the Chihuahuan Raven live?
Chihuahuan Ravens are found in arid and semi-arid grassland and desert scrub in the US Southwest — Texas, New Mexico, southeast Arizona and south Colorado — and throughout northern and central Mexico.
Sources
- BirdLife International (2020). Corvus cryptoleucus. IUCN Red List 2020. — IUCN status, range
- Bednarz, J.C. & Raitt, R.J. (1999). Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus). In Birds of the World. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. — behaviour, population, field marks