Raven

The largest member of the crow family is easily recognised by its big size, large bill, and wedge-shaped tail, which can be seen when it is flying. Adult birds are completely black with a shiny purple or blue-green tint and have shaggy feathers on their throat. They are often heard before they are seen, making deep, loud croaking sounds that are quite different from the usual cawing of crows. This bird is common across upland and coastal areas in western and northern Britain, with smaller groups found in other places. It is not found in much of lowland England. It lives in mountainous areas, on sea cliffs, in moorlands, and is becoming more common in wooded lowlands. You can often see it soaring on wide wings, performing impressive aerial displays like rolling and tumbling, especially during the breeding season.