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Likely Common Raven (Northern Raven); identification from a single feather is uncertain.
Likely a tail feather (rectrix), though a long wing feather cannot be ruled out from this view.

Likely Common Raven (Northern Raven); identification from a single feather is uncertain.

Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Chordata; Class Aves; Order Passeriformes; Family Corvidae; Genus Corvus; Species Corvus corax.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Family: Corvidae (crows, ravens, and jays).

Shape
Long and narrow with a rounded tip and nearly symmetrical vanes.
Size
Appears roughly 25–30 cm long; no scale is provided, so this is a visual estimate.
Learn more about Likely Common Raven (Northern Raven); identification from a single feather is uncertain. in the encyclopedia →

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Description

A sleek, dark feather consistent with a large corvid. Common Ravens are powerful, adaptable birds with shaggy throat feathers, a heavy bill, deep croaks, and soaring flight.

Colour & Pattern

Glossy black to blue-black, with a broad dark band and subtle gray-blue highlights; lighting can alter apparent color.

Barb Structure

Tightly interlocking pennaceous barbs form a smooth vane; a few loose barbs occur near the base.

Rachis & Barb Pattern

Straight, pale gray rachis at the base, darkening along the vane; barbs are closely spaced and uniformly dark.

Texture & Surface

Smooth, firm, and slightly glossy, with a coherent vane and no obvious fluffy down.

Feather Placement

Probably tail, based on the narrow, fairly symmetrical shape; exact position is indeterminate.

Key Features

Large size, dark glossy coloration, and narrow rounded form support a raven or other large-corvid identification, but do not establish species alone.

Habitat

Ravens use forests, mountains, tundra, coasts, and open country, including human-altered landscapes; they nest on cliffs or large trees.

Geographic Range

Common Ravens occur across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and northern Asia; many populations are resident.

Ecological Role

Ravens are omnivorous scavengers and predators, helping remove carrion and influencing small-animal populations. The species is widespread and generally assessed as Least Concern, though local pressures vary.

Similar Species

American Crow and other large Corvus species can have similar black feathers; size, feather position, and detailed pattern are needed for reliable separation.

Interesting Facts

Ravens are highly intelligent, solve novel problems, and can imitate sounds; they also perform conspicuous aerial rolls and other flight displays.

Cultural Significance

Ravens feature prominently in many Indigenous and other cultural traditions. Possession or trade of wild-bird feathers may be legally restricted; check local rules before keeping or using this specimen.

Field Identification Tips

Compare measured feathers with regional reference collections and examine several feathers from the same bird; avoid identifying by black color alone.

Condition Notes

Appears largely intact and clean; slight basal fraying is visible. Condition: good; age and molt stage cannot be determined confidently.