Is the black bird you see a raven or a crow?

The fan-shaped tail of an American Crow

The Common Raven and the American Crow are big black birds that are found all across North America. These birds look similar in some ways, especially when viewed quickly from a distance. How can you tell the difference?

First, ravens are noticeably larger. They're closer in size to a Red-tailed Hawk. Ravens are 22 to 27 inches long, with a wingspan of 45 to 46 inches. Crows are about two-thirds that size: 15 to 21 inches long, with a wingspan of 35 to 39 inches.

Second, ravens tend to travel in pairs, while crows are seen in larger groups. (Their flocks are identified by different names: a conspiracy of ravens versus a congress of crows (or a murder of crows).

The wedge-shaped tail of an Common Raven

Third, watch the bird's tail as it flies over overhead. The crow's tail feathers are generally the same length, so when the bird spreads its tail, the tail opens like a fan. Ravens, on the other hand, have longer middle feathers in their tails, so their tails appear wedge-shaped when opened.

Fourth, listen closely to the birds' calls. Crows give a cawing sound. Ravens produce a lower croaking sound.

Of course you can always identify a raven by another sound. Quoth the raven: "Nevermore."