What does a raven sound like?
A common raven sounds like a deep, hoarse croak, a low 'kronk' or 'prruk' that carries a long way through a forest, much lower and rougher than the call of a crow.
Bird Sounds That Don't Stop | Flooded Forest Backwater in Summer
Ravens (Corvus corax) are the largest crows in Europe, and their voice matches the size. The usual call is a resonant croak repeated two or three times. They also make knocking, gurgling and almost bell-like sounds, especially when a pair is together.
The easiest way to tell a raven from a carrion crow or a rook by ear is the pitch: crows give a harsher, higher 'kraa', ravens a lower, rolling croak. In flight you can sometimes hear the wingbeats too.
In our recording of a flooded forest backwater in summer, the description marks where the raven is heard. Use the timestamp below to jump straight to it.
Where to hear it in our recordings
- 1:22:24 — common raven, flooded forest backwater in summer
Quick questions
Is a raven louder than a crow?
It is deeper rather than louder. The low croak carries far through open country and forest.
Do ravens call at night?
Rarely. They are active by day; at night you are more likely to hear owls.