Calls
- Cr-r-ruck
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
- Croak and deep, gurgling call
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
California July 2001
- Calls
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
Oregon June 1995
- Calls
Recorded by Thomas G. Sander
California July 1987
- Knocking call and other calls
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
Oregon June 1990
- Call at nest
Recorded by Michael J. Andersen
Alaska June 2006
- Calls
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
California June 2002
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Common Ravens make many different kinds of calls varying from a low, gurgling croak to harsh grating sounds and shrill alarm calls. Scientists have placed their vocalizations into as many as 33 different categories based on sound and context. The most commonly heard is the classic gurgling croak, rising in pitch and seeming to come from the back of the throat. It’s much deeper and more musical than a crow’s simple, scratchy caw. Ravens make this call often. It’s audible for more than a mile, and ravens often give it in response to other ravens they hear in the distance. Among their other calls, ravens make short, repeated, shrill calls when chasing predators or trespassers, and deep, rasping calls when their nests are disturbed. Dominant females sometimes make a rapid series of 12 or so loud knocking sounds that lasts about a second. Common Ravens can mimic other birds, and when raised in captivity can even be taught words.
Backyard Tips
You can attract ravens to your yard by leaving out large amounts of seed, grain, or pet food, or simply by not putting the top securely on your garbage can. These tactics might cause more trouble than they’re worth, though, attracting rodents and other pest animals or luring in ravens that may then raid nests in your yard.
Find This Bird
Look for ravens anywhere from the outskirts of towns (particularly landfills) to foothill forests or scrub, and out to the deep woods of mountains and national parks. If they’re around you’re likely to hear a deep gurgling croak from far overhead: look for a long-tailed black bird flying on long wings and easy, graceful wingbeats. When driving, keep an eye out for them on the roadsides, gathered at roadkill, or flying straight down the center line on the lookout.
Get Involved
Report your Common Raven sightings to eBird
Learn more about bird photography in our Building Skills section. Then contribute your images to the Birdshare flickr site, which helps supply the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's websites with photos, including All About Birds.