Chihuahuan Raven - Corvus cryptoleucus
This bird can be identified by its entirely black feathers and long bill. It is native to Northern Mexico and the Southwest United States, and lives in arid and semi-arid habitats, such as sparsely wooded grassland or desert. However, these birds can also move into agricultural areas or landfills where they may find more plentiful food. It struggles to compete with other corvids on the American continent, such as the American crow and the common raven, so its habitats are where these species are less common or absent entirely. Like other corvids, this bird is an opportunistic omnivore. They use many methods to forage, such as walking on the ground, hunting from a perch or flying low. Their most common food source is insects like grasshoppers and beetles. They can also eat larger animals, like fish, amphibians and other birds. Of course, they also eat plants, especially fruits and grains. As part of a courting ritual, these ravens will touch bills with each other! This species is classified as LC (Least Concern) by the IUCN, and population sizes are thought to be roughly stable.
