Please Note: Due to the Desert Gala, there will be no Theater Animal Experience Fri 4/25 - Mon 4/28. The Ironwood Restaurant will close at noon on Sun 4/27. The Ironwood Gift Shop, Baldwin Gallery, and the Desert Garden will be closed all day Sun 4/27.

Chihuahuan Raven — Species Information

Species common name
Chihuahuan Raven
Latin name
Corvus cryptoleucus, "raven with hidden white"
Order, family
Passeriformes, Corvidae
Range, habitat
Through the southern grasslands of Arizona, west to NW Texas and south into C. America. Arid grasslands and desert scrub.
Weight
380-670 g
Wingspan
104-110 cm
Length
46-53 cm
Lifespan
8-15 wild, 30-40 captivity.
Clutch, nest
1-8 eggs; cup shaped nest in various structures (electrical poles, trees, etc.)
Predators
Great horned owl, golden eagle, peregrine falcon.
Prey
Omnivorous; large insects, cultivated crops, garbage, eggs and young of other birds, fruit.

Chihuahuan Raven by Ned Harris
Chihuahuan Raven - © Ned Harris

Well known for being exceptionally intelligent birds; they are also incredibly playful. Ravens have been documented stealing windshield wipers off parked cars to goof around with them. There are even videos on the internet of ravens using toys such as jar lids for sleds, etc.

Fun Facts!

One of the most intelligent bird species

Opportunistic omnivores that eat a varied diet, including carrion

Found in the southeastern portion of Arizona

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“This is about as close to a raptor as you're likely to get but before the show most people didn't believe how close...”
-Sam McManis, Sacramento Bee