white-necked raven

bird

Also known as: Corvus cryptoleucus

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The white-necked raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) is a species of raven found in the southwestern United States and parts of North America. It is characterized by its neck feathers, which are white at the base and black at the tips. Ravens, in general, are large, dark birds belonging to the genus Corvus, closely related to crows but distinguished by a heavier bill and shaggier plumage.12

Ravens are known for their intelligence, keen eyesight, and adaptability, inhabiting diverse environments from tundra to deserts. They are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet that includes rodents, insects, grains, and carrion. Ravens are also known for their complex vocalizations and problem-solving abilities, with some species capable of tool use and planning for the future.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

raven
) In the white-necked raven (C. cryptoleucus) of western North America, the bases of the neck feathers are white. Other species of ravens—some with white or brown markings—occur in Africa, southern Asia, Australia, and North America.
Read More
) In the white-necked raven (C. cryptoleucus) of western North America, the bases of the neck feathers are white. Other species of ravens—some with white or brown markings—occur in Africa, southern Asia, Australia, and North America.
Read More