Raven - the largest representative of passerine birds
The body length reaches 60—70 cm, wingspan 120—150 cm, weight 800—1600 g (according to other data, up to 2000 g).
Other characteristic features include a very massive, high, and sharp beak, and elongated feathers on the throat (the so-called "beard"). A bird flying high can be identified by its longer and narrower wings compared to other ravens, as well as its wedge-shaped tail. A soaring raven makes less frequent wing beats than its closest relatives. Males are slightly larger than females.
There are no sexual differences in the plumage coloration. The coloration of the entire body is uniform, like that of the black raven and rook. The plumage of an adult individual is black with a metallic sheen — bluish or purple on top, and greenish underneath. Young birds have matte black plumage without shine.
Ravens lead a sedentary lifestyle everywhere. In Kyrgyzstan, they inhabit exclusively high-altitude areas, staying near cliffs, coastal cliffs, and high mountain valleys.
They form permanent pairs. The male and female build a new nest or repair an old one. Nests are made on cliffs and ledges of rocks. They begin nesting quite early — in the second half of February, when there is still a lot of snow and strong frosts. Each pair has its own territory, which it defends from other members of the species. This is the feeding ground during the nesting period, so all intruders are ruthlessly driven away.
The nest has a cup-shaped form. It can reach up to a meter in diameter and up to 50 cm in height. The nest frame is made of large branches. Thin branches and plant fibers are woven into it. The bottom is lined with dry grass and leaves. The construction takes the birds up to 10 days. Immediately after completion, the female lays 3-8 eggs.
They are pale green in color and speckled with brown spots. In size, they are approximately equal to a matchbox.
The incubation period lasts 3 weeks. During this time, the male is responsible for feeding the female. The chicks appear in late spring. At first, the female stays in the nest. Then she begins to fly out with the male to look for food. The young take to the wing at one and a half months old. They leave their parents 6 months after birth.
A raven lives in the wild for 12-15 years. There is a known case of a wild bird living for 23 years. In captivity, the lifespan can exceed 40 years.
The raven is well adapted to scattered and scarce food sources and consumes almost everything edible that it can catch or find. Ravens have developed predatory tendencies, although they are classified as omnivorous birds. Their main food is carrion. By eating carrion, they act as sanitary birds. When the opportunity arises, they feed on dead fish, dead frogs, and rodents. At the same time, the bird also exhibits traits of a true hunter — catching various game up to the size of a hare or small ungulate, including rodents, birds, lizards, and snakes. A raven can raid a bird's nest, feasting on eggs or chicks.
Plant foods are as diverse as animal foods, although they occupy a smaller share of the overall volume.
The raven eagerly takes advantage of human activities: it follows deer herds, gathers near livestock farms and slaughterhouses, at dumps, near trash bins, and picnic tables. It readily consumes anthropogenic waste.
Red Book
