RAVEN, a typical species (Corms corax) of the crow family (Corvidcr), of which, as indeed of all passerine birds, it is the largest representative. The size is quite variable, but is generally about two feet in length and four feet in expanse. Plumage, bill and feet are all black, the former with rich purple and violet lustres, but duller in the young and females, which are likewise smaller. The raven inhabits Europe, a large part of Asia, and North Amer ica from the Arctic Ocean to Guatemala. In North America two sub-specific forms are found, C. corax sinuaNs being the western, and C. corax principals the larger northern and eastern race. The former is generally abundant in the Rocky Mountain region; the latter has been largely exterminated in the eastern United States, but is still found in many inaccessible waste and mountain districts and reaches a very large size in Labrador and northward. Northwardly the raven is mi gratory, but may withstand the cold of the severest winters, as it often does in Canada and about the Great Lakes.
It is most abundant in rocky districts, near the banks of lakes and rivers, and is generally seen alone or in pairs, but sometimes in small flocks after the breeding season; the flight is rapid, elevated and protracted. often sailing for hours at a time at a great height; on the ground the gait is grave and dignified, with frequent opening of the wings. It is truly omnivorous, but by preference small ani mals of all kinds, eggs and young birds, carrion', dead fish, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, nuts and berries. The European raven is reputed to destroy young rabbits and even lambs, It dis gorges indigestible substances, as bones, hair and feathers, like birds of prey. It is very
wary and cunning and is rarely caught in traps or shot by the hunter, but it often falls a victim to the poisoned •aita set by: the trappers for the fur-bearing auimals. It breeds according to latitude, between January •ad June, Making a rude nest on inaccessible cliffs or tall trees, re pairing the same for years in succession: the eggs are four to eight, two inches lerig, 'light greenish blue with numerous light purple' yellowish brown blotches, especially at the larger end; incubation lasts about three weeks, • and the young remain in the nest several weeks before they are able to fly, fed at first on the half digested food disgorged by the parents: only one brood is raised in a year, and this'll) bravely and successfully defended against the largest birds of prey. The raven is easily domesticated by kindness, and becomes much attached to its master, following him like a dog. Like others of the family can be taught to imitate the human voice' and to pronounce a few words with great distinctness: but the natural note is a deep, hoarse croak. The white-necked raven (C. cryptolescus) of Mexico and the southwestern United States •as the concealed bases of the neck feathers pure white. Several tither raven-Eke species inhabit Africa. The large size, black color; mournful croak, charnel-house habits, together with •the boldness, sagacity and wanness of the raven; have combined to make it an object of super• stitious fear and hate. As a bird of ill-omen it was watched by the ancient augurs with close attention; it holds a prominent place in mythoP ogy and folklore, and receives frequent notice in literature,