The Raven is about twice as big as the crow with a heavier beak and more pronounced fan or flare to the tail. The Raven's call is also much lower and more throaty. Sexes and juveniles look the same, having all black feathers with black beaks, legs and feet. From a distance, they can be told from other similar-looking birds because they tend to walk, not hop and in flight their wings flap constantly, except in a strong wind. They re-use nests each year which they line with grass, hair and Cedar bark fibers.
Courtship includes mutual preening.
Males land in trees and spread their wings and tail, bow and fluffs his feathers. In flight, he will wheel and dive while chasing the female. The male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs. Usually four greenish eggs with splotches are laid and incubated for 19 days by both parents. Chicks hatch in April.