Common Raven (also known as Northern Raven)

This is a large, powerful primary feather from the Common Raven, the world's largest passerine. The bird is entirely black with a massive bill, shaggy throat feathers (hackles), and a wedge-shaped tail in flight. They are famous for their acrobatic flight and deep, croaking calls.

Overall deep black base. The dorsal surface exhibits a characteristic heavy blue or purple-violet iridescence (structural color) when viewed in direct light. The ventral (underside) is more matte or lead-gray in appearance. There are no bands or spots.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure for most of the vane to withstand flight pressure; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs are present only at the very base near the calamus.

The surface is glossy and smooth on the top side due to the structural micro-alignment of barbs that create iridescence; the feather feels stiff and resilient.

Large size, intense blue-black iridescence, extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and a thick, dark rachis.

Found in a vast variety of habitats including coniferous forests, deserts, mountain ranges, coastal cliffs, and increasingly in suburban areas.

Resident throughout the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In North America, they range from the high Arctic through most of the West and Northeast.

Apex scavenger and generalist predator; they play a vital role in cleaning up carcasses and controlling populations of small mammals and insects.

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) feathers are smaller and generally lack the intense blue/purple iridescence, appearing more brownish-black. Chihuahuan Raven feathers have white bases at the neck which this wing feather would not show, but they are smaller.

Ravens are among the most intelligent of all animals; they can use tools, solve complex puzzles, and have been known to play games with other animals like wolves and dogs.

Good condition; the vane is mostly intact though there is minor fraying at the tip and trailing edge suggesting a naturally molted feather toward the end of its cycle.