Are There Common Ravens in Vermont?
Yes, common ravens are year-round residents found throughout Vermont. These large intelligent black birds have made a successful comeback in the state after being absent for much of the 20th century. Ravens now thrive in forested regions, mountain areas, and increasingly in developed regions across the state.
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 · Richard Littauer CC BY
Common Raven · Kate Kruesi CC BY
Common Raven · Shirley Zundell CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 126,306
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, March
- peak months
Yes, common ravens are in Vermont. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,016 verified observations on iNaturalist of common raven have been recorded in Vermont, most often in April, May, March.
When common raven are recorded in Vermont
Yes, common ravens are year-round residents found throughout Vermont. These large intelligent black birds have made a successful comeback in the state after being absent for much of the 20th century. Ravens now thrive in forested regions, mountain areas, and increasingly in developed regions across the state.
Where Common Ravens Are Found in Vermont
Common ravens are now distributed throughout Vermont after their successful return to the state. The Green Mountains, running north to south through central Vermont, provide excellent raven habitat in forested and rocky terrain. Northern Vermont's forests, including areas around Lake Champlain and the Canadian border, support healthy raven populations. The Connecticut River valley along Vermont's eastern border provides suitable habitat. Wooded areas and forests across the state, from lowlands to higher elevations, now host ravens regularly. Rural and agricultural regions increasingly see raven presence. Urban and suburban areas in Montpelier, Burlington, and smaller towns host regular raven sightings. State parks and protected forests throughout Vermont consistently support raven populations. The transition zone between boreal and temperate forests provides ideal raven habitat. VisitVermont wildlifeto explore the state's diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats in this northern New England landscape. Seethe Common Raven guide for Vermontfor more.
Seasons and Timing in Vermont
Common ravens in Vermont are year-round residents, though populations may fluctuate seasonally. Winter months bring potential increases as birds from farther north seek milder conditions in Vermont. Courtship activity intensifies from January through March as established pairs prepare for the breeding season. Nest construction typically begins in February and March, with egg-laying from March through April. Incubation lasts approximately 20 days, and young fledge from May through June given Vermont's northern location and shorter breeding season. Juvenile ravens remain with parents through summer, learning essential foraging and survival skills. Late summer brings increased raven visibility as fledged juveniles mature and become more independent. Fall offers opportunities to observe flocks of ravens moving through the state or establishing winter territories. Winter concentration at favorable roosting sites creates excellent observation opportunities for dedicated birders. Visitcommon ravensduring spring and winter for the best opportunities to observe courtship displays and congregations.
How to Identify a Common Raven
Common ravens are Vermont's largest black corvids, measuring approximately 24 inches in length with wingspans reaching 4.5 feet. Their entirely black plumage displays purple and blue iridescence when viewed in good light. A distinctive shaggy throat with elongated feathers creates a ruffled appearance during calling and displays. The thick, powerful bill is noticeably heavier and longer than an American Crow's bill, suited for tearing apart carrion and manipulating food items. The tail is wedge-shaped and distinctly different from a crow's rounded tail, particularly obvious in flight. Ravens produce a deep, resonant 'croak' or 'caw' that differs markedly from the higher-pitched calls of American Crows. In flight, ravens soar with wings held flat and primary feathers spread like fingers at the wingtips. Both males and females look identical, though males average slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but show duller plumage and less iridescent coloring.
Where Common Raven Sightings Concentrate in Vermont
In Vermont, ravens concentrate in areas with suitable habitat and food availability. The Green Mountains and surrounding forested terrain consistently support raven populations. Elevation gains and ridgetop areas provide ideal roosting and nesting sites. Bridge structures, particularly those spanning rivers and streams in forested areas, offer alternative nesting opportunities. Landfills and waste management facilities occasionally attract ravens seeking food, particularly during winter. Lake Champlain shoreline areas with suitable cliff habitat and rocky features support raven populations. State parks and protected forests throughout Vermont, particularly in mountain regions, regularly host ravens. Riparian corridors along the Connecticut River and other major streams support distributed raven populations. Northern forests with mixtures of deciduous and coniferous trees provide excellent habitat. To understand raven populations within Vermont's broader ecosystem, visit/wildlifefor information about Northern New England habitat types and wildlife regions.
Common Raven Behavior and Diet
Common ravens in Vermont demonstrate remarkable intelligence and adaptability in northern forests. They are highly opportunistic omnivores consuming carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, nuts, seeds, and berries. Ravens readily visit landfills and dumpsters seeking food waste in populated areas. They hunt cooperatively, sometimes working in pairs or small groups to capture prey or steal food from other predators. Aerial displays include rolls, dives, and synchronized flight maneuvers that serve important social bonding functions. Pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays involving vocalizations and flying together throughout the year. Problem-solving abilities are evident in their capacity to open containers and manipulate objects. Winter roosting concentrations form at specific favored sites, sometimes numbering dozens of individuals. Caching behavior allows ravens to store food in multiple locations during autumn for retrieval during harsh Vermont winters. Pair bonds typically last for life, and established pairs often return to nesting territories annually, sometimes using and improving the same nest for multiple years.
Coexistence and Safety in Vermont
Common ravens are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm them, capture them, or take their feathers or eggs. They pose no genuine safety threat to humans despite their size and occasional bold behavior. In populated areas, ravens may approach to investigate or steal food from unattended picnic areas and campgrounds. Securing food and garbage in outdoor settings prevents ravens from becoming nuisance problems. Pet food left outside can attract ravens, though direct confrontation or injury to pets is extremely rare. Ravens do not transmit rabies or other serious diseases to humans. Some property owners express concerns about raven presence on structures or around waste areas, but coexistence is manageable. Successful raven recovery in Vermont supports the species' broader comeback in northeastern North America.
Species Often Confused with Common Ravens
The most common confusion in Vermont involves the American Crow, which is considerably smaller at 17 inches compared to the 24-inch raven. Crows have rounded tails versus the raven's distinctly wedge-shaped tail. Crow vocalizations are higher-pitched caws, while raven calls are deep croaks. Blue jays, common throughout Vermont, display bright blue plumage and prominent crests unlike ravens. European starlings, abundant year-round, are much smaller and show different plumage patterns. Pileated woodpeckers, though present in Vermont, have red markings and different body shapes. Clark's nutcrackers do not occur in Vermont. Fish crows do not range into Vermont. Immature bald eagles seen at a distance might momentarily confuse observers, but eagles are vastly larger with different wing silhouettes. Correctly identifying ravens requires observing size, tail shape, bill thickness, and vocalizations together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Ravens in Vermont
Q: Did ravens disappear from Vermont? A: Yes, ravens were absent or extremely rare in Vermont for much of the 20th century due to persecution and habitat loss. Q: When did ravens return to Vermont? A: Ravens began returning to Vermont in the 1970s and have gradually increased in numbers since then. Q: Can I keep a common raven as a pet? A: No, it is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to capture or keep wild ravens. Q: Why do ravens make such loud calls? A: Ravens use vocalizations to maintain pair bonds, communicate with family members, and defend territories year-round. Q: Where do common ravens nest in Vermont? A: Ravens nest on cliff faces, in large trees in forested areas, and on bridge and building structures in rural locations throughout the state. Learn more at/wildlife/vermont/common-ravenfor comprehensive information about Vermont's recovering raven population.
Plan your trip
Best time to see common raven in Vermont: April, May, March
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your common raven sighting in Vermont
126,306 verified common raven records have been logged in Vermont, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dead Creek WMA IBA · 267 species recorded
- Missisquoi NWR IBA · 257 species recorded
- Shelburne Bay · 256 species recorded
- Delta Park IBA · 253 species recorded
- Dead Creek WMA IBA--Brilyea Access · 239 species recorded
- Herrick's Cove IBA · 239 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent common raven sightings
- Lefferts Pond - Chittenden (55 acres) · 2026-07-20 10:15 · 1 seen
- Rock River Acres · 2026-07-20 09:55 · 1 seen
- Swamp Lamoille Valley Rail Trl, Waterville US-VT Near 108 · 2026-07-20 09:33 · 1 seen
- Orchard to Orchard Trail System · 2026-07-20 09:32 · 1 seen
- 566 S Richford Rd, Richford US-VT 44.93562, -72.64040 · 2026-07-20 09:16 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Vermont