The Chihuahuan raven is a species in the family Corvidae that is native to the United States and Mexico.
Region
Chihuahuan Desert and Southwestern North America
Typical Environment
Found across desert grasslands, scrub, and open rangelands from northern Mexico into Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and adjacent Great Plains edges. It frequents agricultural fields, pastures, and roadsides where food is accessible. Breeding often occurs in sparsely treed landscapes, including mesquite bosques and riparian corridors, as well as on human-made structures. Outside the breeding season it gathers in flocks and uses communal roosts near reliable food sources.
Altitude Range
500–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized raven of arid North America, the Chihuahuan raven is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its feather bases are white—reflected in the species name cryptoleucus, meaning 'hidden white'—sometimes visible when wind ruffles the plumage. It often nests on utility poles, yuccas, and isolated trees across open country and forms communal roosts outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats, often soaring on thermals
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season, nesting in trees, yuccas, cliffs, or on utility structures. Clutches usually contain several eggs, and both parents attend the young. Outside the breeding season, birds forage in loose flocks and gather at communal roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, croaky calls that are higher-pitched and more nasal than those of the common raven. Also gives rattles, grating caws, and conversational gurgles within flocks.
Plumage
Glossy black with purplish sheen; bases of neck and body feathers are white and may show when feathers are fluffed or wind-ruffled.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, grains and seeds, and small vertebrates. It readily scavenges carrion and roadkill and will raid nests for eggs or nestlings. Human refuse and agricultural byproducts are frequently exploited, especially near farms and ranches.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in open habitats like desert scrub, grasslands, and croplands. Often patrols roadsides and follows agricultural operations that stir up prey or expose food.
