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Raven pair

In the old days ravens were only associated with large forest areas, but now the birds, extremely intelligent and eager to learn, manage nearly everywhere. Ravens in Estonia are mostly sedentary birds, that is, stay in place the year round. With the arrival of winter migrants the raven population can increase by ten times in some years, up to 40 000 birds.

 

Both females and males have a similar plumage and the pairs stay together all year round. Old males seem just a little sturdier than the others, weighing up to a kilo and a half.

 

In sunshine the black plumage has a metallic blue sheen; note also the wedge-shaped tail tip typical of ravens.