Common Raven

These large, sturdy feathers belong to the Common Raven, the largest passerine bird. The raven is a massive all-black bird with a thick bill, shaggy throat feathers, and a wedge-shaped tail in flight. Its plumage is renowned for its intense oily sheen that reflects deep blues and purples.

Deep iridescent black with a notable blue-violet or purple structural sheen; the underside is a more matte grayish-black

Densely packed pennaceous barbs with well-developed barbules and hooklets for a tight, wind-resistant vane; slight plumulaceous down at the very base (calamus)

Smooth, firm, and glossy with a distinct waxy or oily feel that provides water resistance and highlights the iridescence

Large size, intense blue-purple iridescence on a black base, and a very thick, dark rachis distinguish these from the smaller feathers of the American Crow

Extremely versatile; found in coniferous and deciduous forests, tundra, rocky cliffs, mountain ranges, deserts, and increasingly near human settlements

Holarctic distribution; found throughout the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa

Scavengers and opportunistic predators; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling small mammal and insect populations

American Crow (smaller, less iridescent), Chihuahuan Raven (nearly identical but smaller, with white neck bases), and Rook (different bill/face structure)

Ravens are among the most intelligent of all animals; they can solve complex puzzles, use tools, and have been known to mimic human speech and other environmental sounds

Good condition; minor fraying at the tips and some separation of the barbs (zips) suggest naturally molted feathers rather than predation