Are There Common Ravens in New Hampshire?
Yes, Common Ravens are common year-round residents throughout New Hampshire. These large intelligent birds inhabit the state's forested mountains, river valleys, and increasingly urban areas. The White Mountains and surrounding elevations provide ideal habitat, as do the Connecticut River drainage and numerous lakes in the Lakes Region.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Common Raven · Zac Peterson CC BY
Common Raven · Steven Lamonde CC BY
Common Raven · Steven Lamonde CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 79,618
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- July, June, January
- peak months
Yes, common ravens are in New Hampshire. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
367 verified observations on iNaturalist of common raven have been recorded in New Hampshire, most often in July, June, January.
When common raven are recorded in New Hampshire
Yes, Common Ravens are common year-round residents throughout New Hampshire. These large intelligent birds inhabit the state's forested mountains, river valleys, and increasingly urban areas. The White Mountains and surrounding elevations provide ideal habitat, as do the Connecticut River drainage and numerous lakes in the Lakes Region.
Where Common Ravens Live in New Hampshire
Common Ravens occupy most of New Hampshire from the highest peaks of the White Mountains to lower elevations throughout the state. The White Mountains dominate western New Hampshire and support the densest raven populations, particularly in areas with rocky outcrops and alpine zones. The Connecticut River valley running along New Hampshire's western border hosts productive raven populations in its forests and cliffs. The Merrimack River drainage in central and southern New Hampshire supports additional populations. The Lakes Region around Lake Winnipesaukee and associated water bodies attracts ravens that exploit both natural and developed resources. Coastal areas near the Atlantic provide year-round raven habitat. The state's extensive forests offer suitable perching and nesting locations. Urban and suburban areas from Manchester to Portsmouth support growing raven populations. Visit/wildlife/new-hampshirefor a complete overview of the state's bird communities. Seethe Common Raven guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Seasons and Timing in New Hampshire
Common Ravens remain in New Hampshire year-round, establishing permanent territories that they defend consistently. Winter in New Hampshire is harsh, yet ravens persist by adapting their foraging behavior to available food sources. Breeding season begins in late February or early March when pairs occupy cliff ledges, tall trees, and occasionally human structures. Eggs appear by April, with peak egg laying in mid-April. Chicks hledge by late May or early June, and fledglings remain dependent on parents through summer. Outside breeding season, ravens often congregate at favorable locations, sometimes forming loose flocks of ten to twenty birds. Fall and winter bring increased wandering as young birds disperse from natal territories, though resident pairs maintain their home ranges. Spring migration of other bird species does not affect raven residency. Find more about New Hampshire wildlife at/wildlife. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
Identifying Common Ravens
Common Ravens are among North America's largest black birds, substantially larger than American Crows found in the same habitats. Adults measure approximately 24 inches in length with a wingspan exceeding 4 feet. Their plumage is entirely black, including the bill, feet, and eyes. A distinctive shaggy throat patch becomes especially prominent during colder months. The bill is massive, thick, and notably longer than a crow's bill. In flight, the diamond-shaped tail is a key identification feature, slightly forked at the center and quite different from the squared tail of crows. Vocalizations provide excellent identification clues: ravens produce deep, croaking calls that range from simple croaks to complex series of sounds. American Crows emit much sharper, more consistent caws. Immature ravens resemble adults but may appear duller with subtle brownish tints in fresh plumage.
Where Common Ravens Concentrate in New Hampshire
Common Ravens concentrate in specific locations throughout New Hampshire based on habitat features and food availability. High elevation cliffs in the White Mountains, particularly in areas like Franconia Notch State Park and along the Appalachian Trail corridor, support permanent raven populations. These birds nest on dramatic cliff faces and forage in surrounding forests and alpine meadows. The Connecticut River valley contains numerous suitable nesting cliffs and offers consistent foraging opportunities. Lake areas including Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake attract ravens that exploit lakeside resources. Urban centers like Manchester and Nashua support expanding populations that thrive on human food sources. Landfills and waste transfer stations concentrate foraging ravens. Coastal areas near Portsmouth attract some ravens, especially during winter months. Roadside rest areas along major highways accumulate ravens seeking roadkill and discarded food. Learn more about New Hampshire wildlife at/wildlife/new-hampshire/common-raven.
Common Raven Behavior and Habits
Common Ravens display exceptional intelligence and behavioral complexity. They are opportunistic foragers, hunting small mammals, birds, insects, and eggs when available, but readily scavenging on dead animals and human food waste. In New Hampshire's varied terrain, they exploit diverse food sources through seasons. Ravens are highly social birds, typically seen in pairs or small family groups, though larger flocks gather at concentrated food sources. They engage in playful aerial displays, rolling through the air and performing apparent dives for enjoyment. Vocalizations include deep croaks, rattles, and bell-like calls. They cache excess food, hiding items in scattered locations and remembering thousands of storage sites. Breeding pairs defend territories aggressively and perform elaborate courtship flights together. Ravens learn from experience and observation, solving complex problems and adapting quickly to new situations. Their adaptability contributes to their success in both wilderness and urban environments.
Coexistence and Safety with Common Ravens
Common Ravens are fully protected under federal law and cannot be harmed without special permits issued only for specific circumstances. Most New Hampshire residents peacefully coexist with these intelligent birds. Some individuals may visit yards seeking food, but ravens rarely pose safety threats to people. Managing garbage and compost properly minimizes raven attraction to residential areas. Agricultural communities occasionally experience minor conflicts when ravens scavenge grain or harass livestock, but these situations are manageable through resource management. Raven populations are not considered problematic in New Hampshire and control efforts are neither legal nor appropriate. Appreciating ravens as remarkable examples of avian intelligence enriches outdoor experiences. Their presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems. Observing ravens performing aerial displays or solving problems provides endless entertainment and demonstrates nature's creativity.
Species People Confuse with Common Ravens
American Crows are the species most frequently confused with Common Ravens in New Hampshire. Crows are noticeably smaller, measuring only about 17 inches long compared to ravens' 24 inches. Crows have proportionally shorter bills and squared tail tips rather than the forked tail of ravens. When observed together, the size difference is unmistakable. Fish Crows occasionally occur in coastal New Hampshire and are even smaller than American Crows, with nasal calls that differ sharply from raven vocalizations. Magpies are sometimes mentioned in identification guides but are never actually present in New Hampshire and have distinctive black and white coloring. Young or partially molted ravens in poor light might appear duller, but their bulk and large bill remain distinctive. Observers who note the massive bill, shaggy throat patch, and deep vocalizations rapidly learn to distinguish Common Ravens from similar species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Common Ravens expanding in New Hampshire? A: Yes, raven populations have increased significantly over recent decades as birds adapt to human landscapes. Q: Do Common Ravens harm people or pets? A: Common Ravens are generally harmless to humans and large pets, though they might pursue small pets like chicks or rabbits. Q: Can I shoot or trap a Common Raven on my property? A: No, Common Ravens are federally protected and killing them without a permit is illegal. Q: What do Common Ravens eat in winter? A: They scavenge roadkill, garbage, and restaurant waste, supplementing with cached food from earlier seasons.
Plan your trip
Best time to see common raven in New Hampshire: July, June, January
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your common raven sighting in New Hampshire
79,618 verified common raven records have been logged in New Hampshire, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Odiorne Point SP, Rye · 315 species recorded
- New Hampshire Coast (consider using a more specific location) · 314 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals (NH) · 308 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals--Star Island, Rye · 290 species recorded
- Hampton-Seabrook Marsh · 272 species recorded
- Rye Harbor SP (Ragged Neck) · 254 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent common raven sightings
- Alder And blossom · 2026-07-20 10:31 · 1 seen
- Magill Bay, Androscoggin River, Dummer · 2026-07-20 10:12 · 2 seen
- Nashua River Rail Trail, SW corner of SW Park , Nashua, New Hampshire, US (42.716, -71.532) · 2026-07-20 10:04 · 1 seen
- 201 Hanson Mill Rd, Moultonborough US-NH 43.71503, -71.40046 · 2026-07-20 09:32 · 1 seen
- Reeds Marsh WMA, Orford · 2026-07-20 08:28 · 1 seen
More wildlife in New Hampshire