The common raven (Corvus corax) is a member of a family of birds
known as the Corvidae, which includes jays, crows, and magpies.
The raven is found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere in
many types of habitats. The raven is a permanent resident in
California, but none nest at Kaweah Oaks Preserve that we know
of. They are often observed flying by. General description: Up
to 24" from beak to end of tail. The raven is the largest
species of songbird and largest all-black bird in the world. The
raven can only be confused with a hawk or crow. Ravens have
large, stout bills, shaggy throat feathers, and wedge-shaped
tails, visible best when in flight (as compared to the square
tail feathers of a crow). Ravens are excellent fliers, engaging
in aerial acrobatics and sometimes soaring to great heights.
Flight is often an alternation of wing flapping and gliding and
is deceptively fast, as ravens move quickly with seemingly slow
wing beats. There is no mistaking the raucous call of the raven;
the deep, resonant