Chihuahuan Raven

The Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucos), formerly known as the American White-necked Raven, has the proportions of a Common Raven with a heavy bill, but is about the same size as a Carrion Crow, or slightly larger than the American Crow. The plumage is all-black with a rich purple-blue gloss in good light. The nasal bristles extend further down the top of the bill than in any other Corvus species to about two-thirds the length. The base of the neck feathers is white (seen only when ruffled in strong wind). The bill, legs and feet are black.

It occurs in the south western United States and Mexico including south eastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, North eastern Colorado, central and southern Nebraska and in Mexico, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas in semi-arid plains and foothills.

It feeds on cultivated cereal grains, insects and many other invertebrates, small reptiles, carrion and scraps of human food, cactus fruits, eggs and nestlings.

The nest is built in either trees or large shrubs or sometimes even in old buildings. There are usually 5-7 eggs laid relatively late in the year during May so as to take advantage of the insect food for their young in their more arid environment.

The voice is similar to the Common Raven with pruk-pruk sounds and other croaks but is not as deep in tone.

Image link

• Chihuahuan Raven (http://www.tsuru-bird.net/jays/raven_chihuahuan1.jpg)