RAVENS AND CROWS 
307 
SUBSPECI ES. We have two recognized subspecies of Raven in Canada, the Northern 
American Raven (le Grand Cor beau de l’Amerique du Nord) Corvus corax principalis, 
that extends north over the Arctic islands. It differs from a more southern form in the 
interior of the continent by slightly larger size and heavier build. 
In southeastern British Columbia the Western American Raven (le Grand Corbeau 
de i’Amcrique occidentale) Corvus corax sinuatus has been recognized. 
Figure 403 
Raven, showing lanceolate feathers on throat; 
scale, f. 
The Raven is traditionally a bird of ill-omen. Sombre of colour, 
dismal in voice, solitary and wild of habit, it fills in the far north the place 
of the vulture in the south. The Raven holds aloof from the haunts of 
men. As civilization has advanced into the primeval vastnesses, the 
Raven, unlike its close relative the Crow, has retired and is still today what 
it was in the beginning, a bird of tin 1 wilderness. Knowing only the physical 
requirements and food habits of the two species, one would naturally 
think that the Raven could thrive as well under civilization as the Crow. 
It is omnivorous and can adjust itself to almost any food supply. It is 
hardy and can live under severer conditions and climate than its con- 
gener, yet for some unexplained reason the Crow increases and the Raven 
disappears when settlement advances. 
Economic Status. The Raven eats both animal and vegetable food, 
but has a strong partiality for the former. It seeks the offal from the 
hunter’s dressed game, or the game itself if it be available. It lurks about 
the outskirts of rookeries and makes dashes for eggs and young. By 
the sea it searches the shores at low water for crabs, other sea life, and 
anything edible that may be washed up. Avoiding cultivation as it does 
it has little direct economic influence. 
488. American Crow, la corneille d’amerique, Corvus brachyrhynchos. L, 17. 
Plate L A. A large, all black bird, too familiar to need much description. 
Distinctions. A large bird, jet black all over, with considerable metallic iridescence. 
To be confused only with the Raven, but smaller, and the throat feathers blend together 
in a smooth, even mass, instead of standing out one from the other in sharp-pointed lanceo- 
late individuality (Compare with Figure 403). 
Field Marks. Large size, solid black coloration, distinctive wing action, and familiar 
voice. 
Nesting. Nest of sticks in trees. 
Distribution. All temperate North America. 
