Chihuahuan Raven
The Chihuahuan Raven is similar to Common Raven, but somewhat smaller. The Chihuahuan Raven replaces the Common Raven at lower elevations, and in the United States portion of its range is the only raven likely to be seen. More gregarious than its larger northern relative, it gathers in noisy and conspicuous roosts, soaring high in the air in group displays. During the breeding season, however, these birds are not social, with pairs nesting in widely spaced territories. A scarcity of trees may have originally led to this bird's habit of using the same nest year after year.

Chihuahuan Ravens feed in groups on grasshoppers or other insects as well as cultivated grains, small reptiles, fruits of cacti, carrion and the eggs and young of birds. It often frequents garbage dumps feeding on food scraps. The Chihuahuan Raven usually builds its nest in isolated trees or bushes, 4 to 40 feet above the ground and often uses the same nest year after year. It uses sycamore, mesquite, willow, oak, yucca, cottonwood and other species for its nest sites, but also nests on utility poles and windmill towers.

The Chihuahuan Raven breeds from southern Arizona, southeastern Colorado and western Kansas southward into Mexico and winters in the southern part of its breeding range. It prefers arid grasslands, plains and deserts.
Chihuahuan Raven Range Map

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