The Difference between Washington Ravens & Crows

The Wenatchee Castlerock trail system is my favorite hiking route. I wrote about this special place in January. When hiking the sunny side of the castle or the “Mountain Goat” route, I’ll sometimes hear a family of ravens in their nest.

A couple of years ago, Castlerock was home to a family of crows. What caused the crows to move out? Did the Ravens conduct a hostile takeover? How can I tell the difference between the sounds of a common raven and a common crow?

I first noticed that the raven is a much larger bird than the crow. Ravens also have a much larger beak.

Common crows, here in Washington State, make a very distinct and loud call: They seem to yell “ CAW CAW CAW!”

The common raven seems to have a more laid-back call that says: “Rock….rock.”

Crows caw—Ravens rock.

Another way to tell the difference is that crows often flap their wings when flying from tree to tree. Ravens will hold their wings still and soar, just like a hawk or an eagle.

Both of these big black birds are extremely intelligent. A recent study suggests that the common crow’s smarts are about the same as a seven-year-old human.

If you get a crow mad, you’d better watch out. It will tell its family that you’re bad news. Imagine getting a group of 2nd graders upset at you. I don't like the idea of that.

According to National Geographic, the intelligence of a raven is on par with humans and great apes.  I knew ravens and crows were smart - but this smart? 

If you see me talking out loud to myself on the Castlerock trail system, I’m probably saying hi to the newly moved-in Castlerock raven family.

INFO SOURCES: Real Smart (YouTube channel), National Geographic.com