Holiday diary excerpt 27th June:
“Yesterday we hauled our aching limbs to Dartmoor once again. Our chosen destination was Burrator Reservoir and a circular walk around Sheepstor. It was a steep climb up Sheepstor to experience 360 degree panoramic views of the moor and reservoir. Thankfully there were no bogs.
We happened upon a sheep carcass being devoured by Ravens and decided to stop so I could take some photos. The one day I decide not to take my telephoto lens, was the one day I wanted to use it!…”
Frustratingly I didn’t get any good pictures due the lens issue and I still question whether they actually were ravens. Perhaps you’d like to decide. They were huuuge!
Big Hair Metamorphosis 
Ravens are actually considered crows in the broad sense, as they both belong to the corvidae family (same as magpies, jackdaws, jays….) The easiest way to distinguish is usually by the size difference. A raven will be close to the size of a hawk, the crow closer to that of a dove. Their tails are also different. The crow’s tail is more is more a seashell sort of curve, while the raven’s looks more like a diamond, or triangular point. Also, crows tend to hop, while Ravens walk.
If you remember what they sounded like, the crows usually go for that CAW bit, while the ravens have a more diverse repertoire. They mimic other birds and animals, though their signature sound is a deep, croaking one.
Ravens are also not as big on the suburban scene as crows are. Crows have adapted well with us, using our trash bins as primary sources of food. Ravens haven’t embraced us as much, choosing instead the less densely populated areas. You actually have to admire ravens for their habitats – they live in Death Valley, as well as the heights of the Himalayas. Incredibly durable birds, those ravens…
You’ll have to forgive me for the over explanation. I have a general interest in birds, Corvids in particular. There’s a great book I’ve been reading – In the Company of Crows and Ravens – that is a wonderful read, and even if you only have a passing interest in the birds, it’s a fantastic book.