Part 2: A Bit of Knowledge About Ravens

Ravens – The Masters of Intelligence and Adaptation

The raven (Corvus corax) is the largest and most majestic member of the crow family.
Known for its deep, resonant voice, jet-black plumage, and impressive wingspan, the raven has long fascinated people with its intelligence and mysterious presence.

Across Denmark and much of Europe, ravens thrive in a variety of landscapes — from remote forests and open moorlands to rugged coastlines and even urban environments. Their intelligence, adaptability, and social complexity make them one of the most remarkable birds on Earth.

Diet

Animal-based food:
Feeds on small mammals, insects, bird eggs, and chicks.

Plant materials:
Eats berries, seeds, and nuts, especially in autumn when fruit is abundant.

Human food and waste:
Often scavenges in towns and near roadsides, feeding on bread, meat scraps, and other edible leftovers.

Fish:
In coastal or wetland areas, ravens may catch small fish or feed on washed-up remains.

Hunting Tactics

Ravens are master strategists.
They use sharp eyesight to spot food from afar and often hunt cooperatively in pairs or small groups.
These birds are famous for using tools — such as sticks to pull insects from bark or stones to crack open nuts and shells.

Their ability to plan, observe, and learn from experience places them among the most intelligent non-human animals on the planet.

General Feeding Guidelines for Corvids

Avoid:
Salt, spicy food, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, bread with additives, and raw or untreated meat (risk of disease).
If offering meat, ensure it’s cooked, unsalted, and given only in small amounts.

Limit:
Sugary and high-fat foods that may cause health problems.

Unlimited (with care):
Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, corn, carrots, and berries, as well as cooked rice and plain, unseasoned pasta.

Limited amounts:
High-quality cat or dog food, eggs, cheese, cooked boneless fish, and grains — all in moderation.

Feeding Guide for Ravens

Note:
These are general feeding guidelines. For detailed information on local raven populations, consult wildlife experts or rehabilitators familiar with your region.

Biology and Behavior

• Appearance: Deep black feathers with a glossy sheen, large curved beak, and wedge-shaped tail.
• Habitat: Found in forests, mountains, coastal regions, farmlands, and urban areas.
• Social life: Highly social and intelligent; pairs form lifelong bonds and often cooperate in family groups outside the breeding season.
• Breeding: Lays 3–6 eggs per clutch; chicks remain in the nest for around 25 days and fledge at about four weeks.
• Distribution in Denmark: Widespread across forested and rural regions; increasingly common near coasts and open landscapes.
• Seasonal behavior:
  • Spring/Summer: Sedentary and territorial during breeding.
  • Autumn/Winter: May roam to nearby areas but usually remain within their home range.
• Communication: Deep, resonant “kraaa” calls with countless variations for alarm, play, or coordination. Ravens also mimic sounds and even human voices.
• Lifespan: Can live up to 40 years, though 10–15 years is typical in the wild.
• Diseases: May contract avian influenza, external parasites (lice, mites), and bacterial infections.
• Tool use and feeding behavior: Exceptionally intelligent — ravens use sticks, stones, and even teamwork to solve complex problems. They cache food for later use, drop nuts on roads for cars to crack, and can cooperate with other ravens or humans to achieve shared goals. Their creativity and foresight make them true masters of adaptation.