Raven
With a wingspan that can reach up to four feet, these corvids are intelligent enough that they have been observed using tools to solve problems and attain their prize. Their out-of-the-box thinking astounded researchers at The Bardic College Campus school of parazoology, such that a new sub specialty in Corvid Studies has been syllabized and is currently in pre class-load study phase.
The robust size of the raven is a good indication of which corvid one is dealing with, as is a thick shock of feathers on its head. Their eyes are sharp, and piercing, and seem to take everything in at a glance. Their feathers are so black as to have blue and purple undertones when caught in the right light. One of the most stiking features of the raven, however, is its fluffy and elongated throat. These throat feathers puff up during different behaviors, such as a mating dance, or when displaying aggression. Excellent scavengers and foragers, their beaks and claws are sharp enough to also provide excellent self defense measures. They have a deep, croaking call that (famously) carries for extremely long distances, and have been known to mimic voices speaking the common tongue.
There have been stories written about ravens, poems written to ravens, and according to some, books written by ravens. Most experts, however, draw the line at literate corvids.
Ravens hold a special place in society's heart the world around. Associated with regal wisdom in the east of Pax, and with stolid intelligence in the west of The City of the Lights, images of ravens adorn badges, flags, and official letterhead for agencies in every nation on Tellus. Even the infamous Captain of the Cotnor Guard has a raven head in profile as a squad badge.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Large corvids with distinctive shocks of head feathers and neck ruffs.
Genetics and Reproduction
The females lay eggs that are fertilized by the males.
Growth Rate & Stages
Hatchling, nestling, fledgeling, juvenile and adult, hitting the fledgeling phase somewhere between four and six weeks.
Ecology and Habitats
Ravens are comfortable in a variety of habitats due to their frankly impressive adaptability. Whether in forests, at the shore or in urban settings, ravens are equally at home.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Scavengers and consumate opportunists, ravens have also been known to eat small mammals and fish.
Biological Cycle
As time goes by, a raven's feathers begin to grey and lose lose their lustre, but they just become more beautiful in a matte pallette. They have been known to live up to thirty years as pets.
Behaviour
Known to be mischievous and curious, these birds have been observed to have a palpable sense of humor, an dlove to play.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Darkvision to 120'
Scientific Name
Corvus Corax
Origin/Ancestry
Corvids
Lifespan
20-25 years
Geographic Distribution
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