Chihuahuan Raven

About the Chihuahuan Raven

The Chihuahuan Raven is the raven of open, dry country. It is noticeably smaller than the Common Raven, with a shorter bill and a less wedge-shaped tail, and it often travels in loose, noisy flocks that Common Ravens rarely form.

Its hidden field mark is in the name. The base of the neck feathers is pure white, but it only shows when the wind ruffles the bird or it puffs up while calling. Away from the mountains, any big black bird soaring over the South Texas grasslands is most likely this species.

These photographs were made on July 1, 2022, at the Aplomado Falcon viewing area along Highway 100 in Cameron County, where the open coastal grassland suits this raven perfectly.