Crow or Raven - What’s the Difference?

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3. Size

Who Is Bigger, Raven or Crow?

The common raven is the largest of these birds at 26 inches (67 cm) length. The jackdaw only grows to around 15 inches (39 cm) long. Of course, it’s hard to see that from a distance. You can only regularly watch and compare.

4. Call

What Does the Call of a Crow Sound Like?

We can tell you a few exciting facts about the reputation right away. With ravens and crows it sounds like a kraa or arrr. But there are differences.

Rook and Carrion Crow sound hoarse compared to the others and their R is often barely audible. They also emit a korr or krrr. Jackdaws tend to make kjak, schack, kjöck, kjarr or kji.

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Common Raven Common Raven - Photo: Wim/Shutterstock

5. Summary

This table shows you the most important differences between crows and ravens at a glance.

Jackdaw

Size: Up to 15 inches (39 cm)
Beak: Short
Plumage: Dark brown, black
Call: Kjak, schack, kjöck, kjarr, kji
Characteristic: Rounded head

Rook

Size: Up to 18 inches (46 cm)
Beak: Long, pointy, bent
Plumage: Black, slightly red
Call: Kraa, korr, krrr – the “R” can hardly be heard, the voice is hoarse
Characteristic: Base of the beak is light grey

Carrion Crow

Size: Up to 18 inches (47 cm)
Beak: Thick, bent
Plumage: Black, slightly blue
Call: Kraa, korr, krrr - often three times in a row, the voice is hoarse
Characteristic: Base of the beak is dark

Hooded Crow

Size: Up to 20 inches (52 cm)
Beak: Thick, bent
Plumage: Black, gray
Call: Kraa, arrr
Characteristic: Gray plumage looks like a coat

Common Raven

Size: p to 26 inches (67 cm)
Beak: Large, bent
Plumage: Black, slightly green/purple
Call: Kraa, arrr
Characteristic: Long feathers at the throat

Taxonomy

Here is another little overview about these birds. It might make it easier to understand how the birds are arranged into families, genera and species.