6 Mind-Blowing Raven Facts You Won't Believe

The raven. When you think of this member of the crow (or more scientifically, 'corvidae') family, what usually comes to mind? Oh yes, of course - death, morbidity and Edgar Allen Poe.

As a result of these macabre associations, many people tend to fear ravens or see them as bad omens. In many religions and cultures throughout history, it has been taught that ravens symbolize death, disease and misfortune - but being the corvid lover I am, I'm here to change your perception of them and teach you that in fact, ravens are highly intelligent, affectionate animals that (as a fellow raven fan on the internet once stated) 'are human AF'.

1. They are one of the smartest animals on the planet

Watch out, canines, octopuses and dolphins - there's a new contender in town for the 'Brainy Beast Award'!

Incredibly, ravens are so intelligent that research has compared their level of cognitive function to that of great apes. One study, which observed how well ravens could track certain objects and understand numbers using a food reward under a cup, found that they performed just as well as chimps and orangutans. They have also been found to complete problem-solving tasks effortlessly and even play tricks on other animals.

2. They really can say 'Nevermore'

Ravens are capable of over 100 different vocalisations and some ravens in captivity have even learned to talk 'better than parrots'. Although in general, ravens are better at mimicking sounds than language and have been found to be particularly good at car alarms and animal calls.

Watch the video below to see a pet raven quoting his favourite poet.

3. Ravens just want to have fun!

Ravens are very playful animals and will do things just for fun, such as performing in-air acrobatics when flying and even building their own toys out of sticks and rocks.

Ravens particularly enjoy snow and one of their favourite pastimes is using their body as a sled - biologists Bernd Heinrich and Rachel Smolker have said "Observers from Alaskan and Northern Canadian towns routinely reported to us seeing ravens slide down steep snow covered roofs, only to fly or walk back up and repeat the slide."

4. Some are just big, feathery cats

Some people who have owned ravens have said they are cat-like in nature and can be very cuddly and affectionate, but can also throw a strop when they don't get their way. Loki, a raven rescued and raised by Elliot Manarin of Essex, UK, seems to behave more like a dog - he often shakes his tail feathers with excitement when he sees Elliot approaching.

5. Ravens are empathetic

Research has shown us that ravens are compassionate, loving animals who care about their homies!

In a study which observed wild ravens fighting, researchers found that birds that were bystanders and weren't involved in the fight would console the ravens who had been on the receiving end of the attacks. The scientists also found that following the conflict, the victims of aggression would cosy up to the bystanders to avoid further attacks. Ravens also remember birds they like and will apparently respond in a friendly way to these birds for at least three years after meeting them.

6. They really are 'Human AF'

Ravens have been found to exhibit a number of behaviours which have only been observed amongst humans and primates. For example, science has found that ravens can communicate by "gesturing", and point their beak in certain directions to tell other ravens where to go.

They also get tired of living with their parents eventually and when they reach adolescence, they rebel by leaving the nest to find other ravens and join "teenage gangs" - of course I'm kidding about them rebelling, but they do actually form large "gangs" to make it easier to find food such as carcasses which would be harder to discover if searched for individually. When gang life becomes too much for them, ravens settle down with a partner and mate for life.

So, how do you feel about ravens after reading this? If you were afraid of them before - or you didn't know a lot about them - I hope this has given you a fresh perspective and that you can appreciate that these are incredible birds that don't need to be feared. If you're already a massive raven fan, I hope this has taught you some interesting things you didn't know already.

Overall, I hope you've learned that ravens are amazing and beautiful animals and that you share these mind-blowing facts with your loved ones - the world needs to know how awesome ravens are!