CROW, ROOK or RAVEN?

These three large corvidae birds are extremely similar in their appearance, especially from afar, so here are a few ways to tell the difference:

CROW
• Smaller solid black beak with slight bill feathering
• Tends to roam in large groups (murders)
• Smooth plumage, particularly around head and throat
• Tail feathers even in length, forming a fan shape

ROOK
• Large pale, straight beak with no feathering
• Roams and lives in large rookeries
• Long wings that narrow towards the body
• Feathery trousers

RAVEN
• Large, rounded black beak with distinct bill feathers
• Seen alone or with their mate only
• Shaggy plumage around the head, throat and breast
• Long, diamond shaped tail