Species profile
About this species
The Common Raven is the largest of all passerine birds, with glossy black plumage, a heavy bill & a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. Found across the Northern Hemisphere, it is renowned for its exceptional intelligence, complex vocalisations & adaptable behaviour. Ravens are highly social birds that form lasting pair bonds & are known to engage in playful aerial acrobatics.
Common Ravens are highly adaptable & inhabit a wide range of environments including boreal & temperate forests, coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, open tundra, grasslands & even urban areas. They are commonly found near rocky outcrops & cliff faces where they nest & roost.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Common Raven with us in Finland & Iceland.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Johnny Sodergard & Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning light in autumn & winter offers the best conditions, as ravens are most active at dawn & the lower sun angle enhances the iridescence of their black plumage. Spring is also excellent for capturing courtship displays & pair bonding behaviour.
Approach ravens slowly & patiently, as they are intelligent & will move away if they sense a threat - using a long telephoto lens of 400mm or more allows you to maintain distance while capturing sharp detail. Focus on areas where ravens gather such as cliff edges, woodland clearings or coastal shorelines, as these locations offer natural perches & dramatic backdrops. Capture their glossy plumage in soft directional light to reveal the striking iridescent blue-purple sheen that is otherwise lost in flat or harsh midday lighting.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Common Raven
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.