Ravens are some of the most fascinating and misunderstood birds in Texas. With their glossy black feathers, deep croaking calls, and impressive intelligence, they’ve long captured people’s curiosity. But not everyone knows that there are actually two types of ravens you can spot across the Lone Star State—the Common Raven and the Chihuahuan Raven. While they might look similar at first glance, these two species have their own unique habits, habitats, and histories in Texas.
From the wide deserts of West Texas to the rolling plains farther east, ravens are well-adapted to life in open spaces. They’re often seen soaring high on thermals, calling out with that unmistakable “kraaak” sound, or perched quietly on fence posts, watching the world go by. Unlike crows, which they’re often confused with, ravens tend to be larger, more solitary, and more mysterious in behavior.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both the Common Raven and the Chihuahuan Raven—where they live, how to tell them apart, and what roles they play in the ecosystems they call home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who’s seen a big black bird on a Texas highway and wondered what it was, this is your guide to understanding these smart, bold, and often underappreciated members of Texas wildlife. Ravens aren’t just part of folklore—they’re a living, flying part of Texas itself.
1. Chihuahuan Raven
- Scientific name: Corvus cryptoleucus
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 21-27 inches (53-68 cm)
- Weight: 1.3-2.6 pounds (600-1200 grams)
- Wingspan: 45-46 inches (115-117 cm)
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and common in certain area.
- Migratory behaviour: Remains year-round; does not leave Texas.
The Chihuahuan Raven is a year-round resident of the southwestern United States and parts of northern Mexico, with its U.S. range centered on west and south Texas, southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and a sliver of eastern Colorado. In Texas, it’s most often found in dry open country—arid grasslands, desert scrub, and agricultural fields, especially in the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions.
It often flies in pairs or small groups, and in winter, larger flocks can gather. At a glance, the Chihuahuan Raven looks like many other black birds, but on closer inspection, it carries some distinct features. Its plumage is glossy black, with a slight violet or blue sheen in strong sunlight. One of its more subtle identifying traits is the white base to its neck feathers, visible only when wind or movement parts the outer layer.
The bird’s head appears somewhat more compact than that of its relative, the Common Raven, and its nasal bristles—small hairs at the base of the beak—extend farther forward. Its tail is wedge-shaped but less dramatically so than the Common Raven’s. This species is often seen perched on fence posts or powerlines, scanning its surroundings with clear awareness, giving it a confident, watchful presence.
Chihuahuan Ravens are practical nesters, choosing their spots based on height and visibility more than seclusion. In Texas, they commonly nest on utility poles, telephone towers, windmills, or the tops of hardy desert trees like mesquite or yucca. Their nests look rough and thrown together but are sturdy, made from an untidy mix of sticks, twigs, and whatever human material they can find—barbed wire, bits of plastic, or old fabric scraps.
Nesting usually begins in late winter or early spring, with both the male and female involved in building and raising the young. They typically lay three to five eggs, and the female does most of the incubating while the male stands guard nearby. In the drier regions of Texas, these birds bring a sense of resilience and persistence to the breeding season.
When it comes to food, the Chihuahuan Raven is impressively adaptable. Its diet reads like a list of whatever’s available: insects, small reptiles, roadkill, bird eggs, leftover grain, and even trash. It will scavenge fields after harvest or follow tractors and livestock in search of unearthed insects. You’ll often see it patrolling fence lines or hopping across parking lots near fast food joints.
This bird has clearly learned to thrive off human presence, using both natural and artificial landscapes to find food. Its ability to switch between foraging styles gives it an edge in Texas’s unpredictable weather and terrain, whether that’s the dry plains of the Panhandle or the scrubbier southern brushlands.
Conservation concerns for the Chihuahuan Raven are relatively low, but that doesn’t mean the species has remained untouched by human activity. Historically, these birds were once grouped with other raven and crow species, but deeper study eventually clarified their unique characteristics. In Texas, their population has remained fairly stable, though some fluctuations have occurred due to changes in land use.
As more farmland and ranchland appeared, the ravens adapted quickly, nesting on man-made structures and scavenging in new ways. While they benefit from certain agricultural practices, they also risk exposure to pesticides and vehicle collisions. Fortunately, they seem to be holding strong, and because they’re not highly specialized in diet or habitat, their resilience continues to serve them well in a changing Texas landscape.
2. Common Raven
- Scientific name: Corvus corax
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-4.6 pounds (700-2100 grams)
- Wingspan: 46-56 inches (117-142 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory Behaviour: Stays year-round; no regular migration out of Texas.
The Common Raven is one of the most widely distributed corvids in the world, and in Texas, it occupies a more limited range than its cousin, the Chihuahuan Raven. It is typically found in the remote, rugged landscapes of the Trans-Pecos region and occasionally in parts of the Edwards Plateau. Its preferred habitats include canyons, cliffs, and mountainous terrain—areas where human disturbance is minimal and the land retains a more natural shape.
The Common Raven’s appearance is striking. Entirely black from bill to tail, its plumage has a rich, glossy quality that often reflects deep blues and purples in bright sunlight. Unlike the Chihuahuan Raven, the base of the neck feathers is gray rather than white, and its body has a heavier, more robust look overall. The beak is thick and slightly curved, with shorter nasal bristles compared to its southwestern cousin. Its tail, when spread in flight, shows a more pronounced wedge shape—useful for identifying it at a distance.
When perched, it carries itself with a certain gravity, often alone or in pairs, and its silhouette is distinct: long-necked, heavy-billed, and alert. Though less common in Texas, the Common Raven’s presence is always notable due to its commanding appearance and behaviour.
Common Ravens take a much more secluded and strategic approach to nesting. In Texas, they prefer the most remote and rugged parts of the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau, choosing high cliffs, steep canyon walls, or tall rock formations. These nests are built with care and a sense of permanence, often reused for several years.
Made from sturdy sticks and lined with softer materials like grasses, fur, and wool, the nests are bulky but thoughtfully constructed. Ravens are deeply bonded pairs, and both members of the pair participate in raising the chicks. They usually lay between three and seven eggs, and once the chicks hatch, both adults feed them by regurgitation. Their nesting spots are difficult to reach, which offers good protection from predators and human interference. This privacy suits their intelligent and cautious nature.
The Common Raven is a clever, opportunistic feeder that will take almost anything it can get its beak on. In the wild landscapes of Texas, it forages for carrion, picks through carcasses left behind by coyotes or vultures, and scavenges from human trash sites if necessary. It will also eat berries, small reptiles, insects, or raid the nests of smaller birds. With strong beaks and curious minds, they can pry, flip, and pick apart almost anything edible.
They’ve been seen using their feet to hold down food while tearing it up with their beaks, or hiding food to come back for it later. Their adaptability to varied environments, from harsh deserts to rocky canyons, makes them incredibly resourceful survivors in the wilder regions of Texas.
In Texas, the Common Raven holds onto a small but stable foothold. Though much rarer here than farther west or north, it continues to nest and live in the most rugged, less-developed areas of the state. Historically, its range was likely broader, but with the spread of agriculture and urban development, it retreated to quieter, mountainous corners. While not currently considered at risk, habitat fragmentation remains a long-term concern.
Conservationists mostly focus on maintaining the quality of natural, undisturbed spaces like state parks and public lands in the Trans-Pecos. These areas provide the solitude and structure the Common Raven needs. In culture and science, the bird has shifted from being seen as a symbol of darkness to one of intelligence and resilience. For Texans lucky enough to spot one, it’s always a memorable encounter—one that brings a sense of the wild back into view.
Where to look for Ravens in Texas
If you’re hoping to spot ravens in Texas, you’re in luck—these birds are out there, you just need to know where to look. Ravens prefer wide open spaces, so you won’t usually find them in crowded urban areas. Instead, head to the quieter corners of the state where nature takes the lead. Early mornings are your best bet, especially when the air is cool and still. Bring binoculars, and keep your ears open for their deep, croaky calls echoing across the land.
The Chihuahuan Raven is most common in western and southern Texas. Look for them in open grasslands, desert scrub, or near agricultural fields. These birds often travel in groups, especially in winter.
The Common Raven, on the other hand, sticks to more rugged terrain. You’ll have better luck finding them in mountainous or canyon areas, usually alone or in pairs.
Here are four great places to try:
- Big Bend National Park – Remote and rugged, perfect for Common Ravens.
- Davis Mountains State Park – Great views and lots of raven activity.
- Panhandle Plains – Especially around Lubbock and Amarillo for Chihuahuan Ravens.
- Rio Grande Valley – Check open fields and ranchlands for groups of Chihuahuan Ravens.
With a bit of patience, you’re likely to catch sight of these clever birds in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
Ravens in Texas are more than just black silhouettes in the sky—they’re smart, adaptable birds with deep roots in the state’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s the common Chihuahuan Raven patrolling open grasslands or the elusive Common Raven soaring through mountain canyons, each brings its own story. By understanding their habits, range, and role in the ecosystem, we gain a greater appreciation for these bold, watchful birds that thrive across the rugged beauty of Texas.
