Are There Common Ravens in Wyoming?
Yes, common ravens are abundant throughout Wyoming, from the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the state's lower valleys and badlands. They are year-round residents found across diverse terrain ranging from alpine zones to semi-arid regions. Wyoming's vast landscape and minimal human population provide ideal conditions for healthy raven populations.
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 · Public domain CC0
Northern Common Raven · Romain Boisseau CC BY-SA
Common Raven · Cody Stricker CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 93,106
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- June, July, September
- peak months
Yes, common ravens are in Wyoming. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,853 verified observations on iNaturalist of common raven have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in June, July, September.
When common raven are recorded in Wyoming
Yes, common ravens are abundant throughout Wyoming, from the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the state's lower valleys and badlands. They are year-round residents found across diverse terrain ranging from alpine zones to semi-arid regions. Wyoming's vast landscape and minimal human population provide ideal conditions for healthy raven populations.
Where Common Ravens Are Found in Wyoming
Common ravens inhabit nearly every region of Wyoming, with especially useful populations in the mountainous areas. The Rocky Mountains dominating the western portion of the state provide exceptional raven habitat with abundant cliff faces, rocky ridges, and forested valleys. The Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming support substantial raven populations across their entire range. The Absaroka Range, bordering Yellowstone National Park, offers diverse habitat suitable for ravens. The Teton Range in northwestern Wyoming provides high-altitude habitat with rocky peaks and subalpine valleys. Yellowstone National Park and surrounding national forests host established raven populations that benefit from the ecosystem diversity and wilderness conditions. The Shoshone, Bridger, and other national forests throughout the state concentrate raven populations. The Powder River Basin in northeastern Wyoming, though less mountainous, still hosts raven populations in association with river corridors and scattered rock outcrops. The Green River valley and surrounding areas in southwestern Wyoming provide suitable habitat. The Snake River drainage from Yellowstone southward concentrates ravens along its entire course. Semi-arid badlands and canyon country in central and northern Wyoming support more scattered raven populations. Towns and cities including Jackson, Cody, and Laramie have urban and suburban raven populations nesting on buildings and infrastructure. High-elevation alpine areas above 10,000 feet support specialized raven populations during appropriate seasons. Seethe Common Raven guide for Wyomingfor more.
Season and Timing in Wyoming
Common ravens in Wyoming are year-round residents with no significant seasonal migration patterns. They maintain active populations throughout all seasons, though some elevation shifts occur as weather changes and snow depth varies. Winter can drive some populations from the highest elevations to lower valleys, though many ravens remain in high country year-round. Late winter beginning in February marks the start of breeding season, with pairs establishing and defending territories. Courtship displays intensify through February and March, featuring aerial acrobatics and synchronized pair flights. Nesting activity peaks in April and May, with most pairs laying eggs by late April or early May. Incubation occurs over approximately 20 days, with eggs typically hatching in late May or early June. The nestling period lasts roughly six weeks, with young fledging between late June and early July. Recently fledged young remain with their parents for several additional weeks as they develop foraging skills and flight capabilities. Fall brings no significant raven migration from Wyoming, though some vertical movement occurs with birds shifting to lower elevations as temperatures decline and snow accumulates. Winter roosting sites develop where ravens gather nightly in sheltered areas. Spring movements northward and upslope occur gradually as conditions improve and breeding territories become accessible. Year-round presence allows observation of ravens in every season across Wyoming's diverse landscapes. Seethe Wyoming wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Common Raven
Common ravens are among North America's largest corvids, measuring approximately 24 inches in length with wingspans reaching 4.5 feet or greater. Their entirely black plumage is glossy and lustrous in good light, with subtle iridescent reflections of purple, blue, and green visible on the feathers and head region. The most distinctive feature is their exceptionally thick and powerful bill, substantially longer and more useful than a crow's bill. Ravens display a characteristic shaggy throat with long, bristle-like feathers that become prominent when vocalizing. Their wedge-shaped tail is diagnostic in flight, quite different from the more rounded tail appearance of crows. Flight silhouette is unmistakable, featuring broad wings held flat and powerful, deliberate wingbeats. Ravens frequently perform acrobatic maneuvers including rolls, tumbles, and inverted flight, behaviors rarely seen in crows. Their calls are notably deeper and more complex than crow vocalizations, ranging from deep croaks to clicking sounds to occasional bell-like tones. Perched birds display a more angular and deliberate posture compared to the more compact profile of crows. In Wyoming's mountain environments, the contrast between ravens and the smaller Clark's nutcrackers and gray jays is readily apparent when all species appear in the same view.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Wyoming
Common ravens concentrate reliably in specific Wyoming habitats. Rocky Mountain slopes and ridgelines throughout the state provide consistent viewing opportunities. Yellowstone National Park and surrounding national forest areas host abundant ravens visible from hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The Grand Teton region offers excellent raven viewing, particularly in areas with cliff faces and alpine meadows. National forest areas including Shoshone, Bridger, and Bighorn national forests concentrate raven populations accessible to visitors. For those seekingWyoming wildlife information, visiting Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or wilderness areas provides excellent opportunities. High-elevation passes and mountain corridors consistently host ravens visible during travel through the state. River valleys including the Snake River, Green River, and Powder River concentrate ravens along their entire courses. Cliff formations and rock outcrops throughout the state, from the Bighorn Mountains to remote badlands, host raven populations. Urban observers in Jackson, Cody, and other mountain towns can find ravens regularly on buildings and around commercial areas. For detailedcommon raven location specifics, consulting Wyoming birding records and local guide services provides current information on active nesting sites. Dump sites and waste management facilities, though not scenic, attract ravens seeking concentrated food sources. Roadside observation along scenic drives through mountain passes frequently rewards raven viewing.
Typical Behavior of Common Ravens
Common ravens display detailed and complex behavior reflecting their exceptional intelligence. They are opportunistic omnivores, consuming carrion, small mammals, insects, berries, nuts, seeds, and human food waste. Ravens demonstrate remarkable problem-solving abilities documented in scientific research, with capabilities including tool use, teaching behaviors, and remembering specific locations and individuals. Play behavior is frequent and varied, including sliding on snow-covered slopes, rolling on their backs, and engaging in apparent games with other ravens. Social structure centers on strong, typically lifelong pair bonds, with couples performing synchronized aerial displays and coordinated vocalizations. Territorial behavior during breeding season is vigorous, with pairs actively defending nesting areas against intruders. Fall and winter bring significant social changes as birds gather in loose flocks at communal roosting sites, sometimes numbering dozens or hundreds of individuals. Caching behavior demonstrates detailed memory, with ravens hiding food and retrieving it weeks or months later in locations distant from original storage. Communication is highly developed with varied calls conveying different meanings related to food, predators, and social status. In Wyoming's mountain environments, ravens display remarkable adaptability to high-altitude conditions and severe winters. Specialized behaviors include exploiting thermal updrafts for soaring flight and cooperatively defending productive feeding areas.
Coexistence and Safety
Common ravens coexist successfully with Wyoming residents and present no genuine safety concerns. These birds are protected under federal law through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making lethal control or intentional harm illegal without special permits. Ravens are not aggressive toward humans and show no interest in attacking people. Property damage is minimal in most Wyoming communities, though ravens may investigate roof seals or insulation around buildings. Livestock predation is extremely rare in Wyoming, with ravens feeding on carrion rather than attacking healthy animals. Some Wyoming ranchers maintain concerns about ravens on their properties, but these concerns are generally overstated, as ravens consume dead animals rather than healthy livestock. The solution to property concerns involves basic exclusion and removing accessible food attractants. Ravens provide ecological benefits by consuming carrion and dead animals, supporting nutrient cycling and reducing disease transmission. Understanding ravens as valuable members of Wyoming'swildlifeecosystem fosters coexistence and appreciation. Their intelligence and presence enhance Wyoming's natural heritage and wilderness character. Supporting natural habitat and maintaining healthy prey populations benefits ravens and the broader ecosystem. Educational initiatives help Wyoming residents appreciate ravens as integral parts of the state's wilderness heritage.
Common Species People Confuse with Common Ravens
The most frequent source of confusion in Wyoming involves distinguishing between common ravens and American crows, though crows are less common in Wyoming than in lower elevations. Size is the primary distinguishing feature, with ravens substantially larger than crows in every dimension. Crows measure approximately 17 inches while ravens reach 24 inches or more. The raven's bill is noticeably thicker, longer, and more powerful. In flight, the raven's distinctive wedge-shaped tail contrasts sharply with the crow's more fanned tail appearance. Some Wyoming observers confuse ravens with Clark's nutcrackers, though nutcrackers are smaller and display distinctive black and white plumage. Gray jays, found in Wyoming's mountain forests, are occasionally confused with young ravens, though jays are substantially smaller and display gray coloration. Occasional confusion arises between ravens and young golden eagles, particularly in poor light, though eagles display different body proportions and flight characteristics. Mountain hawks and other raptors are sometimes mistaken for ravens by inexperienced observers, though careful attention to flight style and size quickly resolves confusion. Larger owl species, particularly great horned owls, are rarely confused with ravens despite similar size, as their silhouettes and behaviors differ markedly. Careful observation of size, bill structure, and flight characteristics eliminates confusion quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Ravens
Do common ravens live in Wyoming year-round? Yes, common ravens are year-round residents throughout Wyoming. Some elevation shifting occurs seasonally, but they do not migrate out of the state. What do Wyoming ravens eat? Wyoming ravens consume a varied diet including carrion, small mammals, insects, berries, seeds, and human food waste. They are highly adaptable feeders. Can I find ravens in Yellowstone National Park? Yes, ravens are abundant in and around Yellowstone. Visitors frequently observe them at scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and along hiking trails throughout the park. How do ravens differ from crows in Wyoming? Ravens are substantially larger, have thicker bills, and display wedge-shaped tails. Ravens perform acrobatic flight maneuvers rarely seen in crows. Are ravens dangerous to humans? Common ravens are not dangerous. They are not aggressive toward people and do not attack humans. Do ravens and eagles compete in Wyoming? Ravens and eagles occupy different ecological niches and compete minimally. Eagles hunt live prey while ravens feed primarily on carrion, reducing direct competition. How intelligent are common ravens? Ravens are among North America's most intelligent birds, demonstrating problem-solving abilities, memory, and social learning capabilities rivaling some primates.
Plan your trip
Best time to see common raven in Wyoming: June, July, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your common raven sighting in Wyoming
93,106 verified common raven records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Tower National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fossil Butte National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grand Teton National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Wyoming Hereford Ranch · 274 species recorded
- Hutton Lake NWR · 235 species recorded
- Laramie River Greenbelt Trail · 232 species recorded
- Wyoming Hereford Ranch Reservoir #1 · 229 species recorded
- Lions Park (Cheyenne) · 228 species recorded
- McManamen Park · 228 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent common raven sightings
- S Park Feedgrounds Rd, Jackson US-WY 43.39906, -110.77061 · 2026-07-20 09:58 · 1 seen
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail, Alta, Wyoming, US (43.759, -110.718) · 2026-07-20 07:48 · 1 seen
- National Elk Refuge--Shop Ponds · 2026-07-20 07:23 · 5 seen
- Grand Teton NP--Moose Wilson Rd. wetlands overlook · 2026-07-20 06:06 · 3 seen
- Forest Service Road 111, Pinedale US-WY 42.94446, -109.79286 · 2026-07-19 21:10 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Wyoming