Raven

The American Indians of the Northwest were keen observers of nature when casting the Raven in the role of trickster. The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is considered one of the most intelligent and highly evolved birds.

Ravens are large black birds with a metallic violet luster. They measure about two feet long with a wingspan of more than four feet. The sexes are alike, but the female is smaller. The male weighs about three pounds, and the females weigh in at two.

Common throughout North America, the Raven is the largest member of the crow family. True, both crows and ravens are black birds with few distinguishing characteristics; however, ravens are much larger than crows and can be identified by their shaggy throat feathers which resemble a beard. A raven's alternating flap-and-glide flight pattern differs from the crow's as well.

The resilient Raven is one of nature's most adaptable creatures. Depending on what is available, these omnivorous scavengers make the best of any feeding situation. Selections on the raven menu are pretty much whatever is available. The bill of fare includes berries, worms, frogs, tadpoles, shellfish (which are dropped from the air to break!), and the eggs and young of other birds. They also compete with their fellow diners, gulls and vultures, for the tastiest tidbits of elk, deer, seal, and whale caracasses.

Ravens mastered food storage centuries before the advent of Tupperware. Before taking care of their immediate feeding needs, ravens will store surplus food in small holes in the ground, concealed with loose leaves, stones, or other debris. They have a keen memory for the whereabouts of this supply stash, which serves as the main reserve during food shortages.

Ravens are incredibly gregarious and have one of the most complex systems of play in the bird world. It is believed that the skills they learn through their chasing games enhance their ability to adjust to a wide variety of habitats.

The playful characteristics and intelligence of the Raven were noted by Indian people. Among the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the Raven is revered as the creator of the world, but is also recognized as a practical joker who could use his wisdom to punish or promote the human race. Raven created land after growing tired of flying over an empty ocean. He dropped pebbles into the ocean that grew into the islands that form the archipelago along the Pacific Coast, then filled the islands with animals and humans made from wood and clay.

The Creator of the World also had a very fallible side. Raven also appears foolish, a bit devious, and frequently greedy. His knack for mischief is the source of many escapades, including being beaten by outraged husbands, thrown into latrines, or being swallowed by whales. However, the indestructible Raven is always able to overcome adversity and recover in time for his next misadventure.