MCR Monthly Newsletter

July 2026

Ravens and crows are both in the Family Corvidae and look very similar and can easily be confused.

Crows are physically smaller, about 15-18 inches long with a wingspan up to 3 feet and weigh in at about 20 ounces. They also have a slender, “pointier” beak.

Ravens are usually obviously larger 20-25 inches with a wingspan up to 4 feet and a body weight of 1.5 to 3.6 pounds! Ravens have a very stout “thicker” beak and often shaggy throat feathers. They also have different shaped tails, with the Raven’s tail being more wedge shaped compared to the Crow’s more rounded fan shape.

Both Crows and Ravens are omnivorous, eating grain, birdseed, insects, bird eggs, rodents, small snakes and carrion. As far as habitat, Crows are highly adaptable and thrive in open woodlands, agricultural fields, parks, suburbs, and cities. They rely on a combination of tall trees for roosting/nesting and open ground for foraging.  Ravens are also incredibly adaptable birds and thrive in a massive variety of environments, ranging from arctic tundra, and dense mountain forests to arid deserts, coastlines, and open plains. They rely on these varied landscapes for food and safe nesting platforms.

FUN FACT:  NJ has two crow species, the American Crow and the Fish Crow.  Telling an American Crow and a Fish Crow apart by sight is nearly impossible because they are identical in color and similar in size. The most reliable way to distinguish them is by their call.

   American Crow: Delivers a deep, resonant, full-throated “caw”.

  Fish Crow: Gives a higher-pitched, nasal “cah-cah” or an “uh-uh” sound

Although not a perfect way to distinguish between American Crows and Fish Crows, Fish Crows are most likely to be near water, commonly found along coastlines, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and swamps.

Summer is here, come and enjoy the shoreline trail. You might see the many bald eagles and some turtles!

Passionately,

Ranger Rich