Common Raven - Fiach dubh
Ravens (Fiach dubh) are the largest crow species in Ireland. They are a similar size to birds of prey like the Buzzard (Clamhán). Their broad wings and diamond-shaped tail paints a distinctive silhouette high in the air - and is often accompanied by a repetitive guttural croaking: ‘prruk-prruk-prruk!’. The raven’s much larger size and curved dark beak can help to separate it from the Rook (Rúcach).
These birds often show off their impressive aerial capabilities by inverting 180° during its plunging flight displays; a spectacular behaviour to witness in the updrafts created by the wind currents along Iveragh’s spectacular cliff faces and coastlines.
Audio of the raven’s distinctive call – a deep guttural croaking.
Where do they live? What do they eat?
The raven is a master generalist, allowing it to spread across almost the entire Northern Hemisphere from the Canadian Arctic to the deserts of north Africa. The species’ distribution covers nearly the entire Northern Hemisphere owing, in part, to its immensely opportunistic and omnivorous diet. In Ireland, they are found from mountainous haunts to exposed coastal cliffs. The raven’s diet varies widely across their range and across seasons: in many areas they behave mainly as scavengers, carrying out a vital ‘clean-up’ service, akin to that of vultures. Ravens feed on a wide range of species such as small mammals, nestlings, eggs and invertebrates. Seeds, berries and rubbish can also be snacks.
Ravens are very social creatures, like many other crow species. They often gather in communal roosts through the winter months, and studies have revealed that these roosts serve as important ‘information exchange centres’. For example, immature birds at such roosts use specific calls to communicate with other immature birds, recruiting them to forage at a nearby food source, such as a carcass, the next day. In some instances, this allowed these immature birds to displace a more dominant adult pair feeding on the carcass, through a strength in numbers approach. With one of the largest brains of any bird species, the Raven’s ability to complete cognitive tasks and solve problems is almost unparalleled. They are one of the few bird species documented to engage in playful activities, such as sliding down snowbanks and using objects like twigs in social play.
A raven perched upon a rock, with Ynys Enlli and Ynysoedd Gwylanod in the background.
Myths, legends and folklore surrounding the raven:
Ravens are prominent in the folklore and mythology of many traditions, including the Celtic cultures. Their role as a successful scavenger and their preference for carrion has influenced cultural depictions of this species – widely regarded as a bad omen, or harbinger of death. However, in Norse traditions, they were seen as messengers from the gods and the Vikings used them to navigate back to dry land when they were at sea.
‘Brân the Blessed’ was a giant and guardian of Britain in Welsh mythology. When he died in battle in Ireland, his head was buried beneath the Tower of London and is said to keep Britain safe from invasion. The burial of Brân’s head beneath the tower is the earliest connection that can be drawn between the tower and ravens (as Brân translates to ‘Raven’ or ‘Crow’ in Welsh).
The Celtic warrior goddess known as the ‘Morrígan’, who’s presence indicated that war or death was near could take the form of a raven. The Morrígan sabotaged the chariot of the famed Irish leader of Ulster, Cú Chulainn, the night before his death, warning him that he would not return if he went to battle the following day. Cú Chulainn did not heed her advice and was indeed killed. It is only when the Morrígan came to perch on his shoulder in the form of a raven that his enemies were sure he was dead.
Some of the best places for spotting ravens on Iveragh include Cnoc na dTobar, Bray Head on Valentia Island, and along the Bolus Loop Walk. Make sure to listen for their deep guttural croaking as they fly; some may even show off their inverted flying activities seen in the video below.
A raven showing off its aerial capabilities by inverting mid-flight off the tip of Bolus Head.
