So, we’ve come to the end of our colour exploration. Today is black, and there’s really only one bird we can mention, the Raven. To my great shame, I somehow managed to go over 150 weeks without featuring this most famous of birds. There are many species of Raven, but here in Australia we have (in a shock twist) the Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides).
These are a large handsome bird. They have piercing white eyes that contrast against their glossy black plumes, which under the right light can take on a purplish-blue or even green sheen. You may be wondering if there is a difference between a Crow and a Raven, and there is. Although closely related, Crows tend to be a little smaller, and Ravens can usually be picked by the hackles they have on their neck. These are a kind of elongated throat feather that sort of sticks out.
Along with Parrots, Ravens are some of the smartest birds getting around. There are a lot of examples of their intellectual feats, but my favourite is the way they treat their dead. You probably know that a group of Ravens is called a murder. But did you also know that Ravens hold funerals for their dead.
Given they’re constantly dressed in mourning attire, it’s only appropriate. You see, Ravens live in social groups and when one of their members dies, the whole flock will gather around its body. They’ll perch in trees and make a general racket, lamenting their fallen comrade. However, researchers believe this behaviour has more to do with learning about potential threats than it does with any feelings of loss. The Ravens take in the surroundings and will come to associate the things they see near the dead bird with danger. In the future, they’ll be extra wary around the places where the Raven died, and even birds that never saw it will learn from their peers to shun the spot.
Most animals don’t have strong reactions to their fallen fellows. Aside from us people, Ravens, along with Elephants and Dolphins, are some of the only animals that register the death of one of their own. An appropriate attitude from a bird so long associated with death and doom.
Of course, on rare occasions they do also engage in necrophilia with the dead bird … so who can say what goes in their minds.
20/09/2020
Bird of the Week 
One of my favourite birds, Nathan. I don’t think I could have gotten through the stress of this pandemic quite so well without it. I will remember to keep my distance from grieving raven family members.
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One of my favs as well. They’re fantastic birds 🙂
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