5 Fun Facts About Ravens

Eva Niessner

5 Fun Facts About Ravens

Whether you're a fan of football or a fan of Edgar Allan Poe's poetry, you know that ravens have a home here in Maryland! Poe's poem became a huge hit after it was published in 1845, and the legacy of this piece of writing led to the formation of the NFL team we all know and love. But you may not realize just how interesting these birds can really be. Look past the purple uniforms and spooky rhymes to see the real ravens -- creatures that are intelligent, playful, and fascinating. We've got a few fun facts for you!

 

1. Ravens can mimic human speech

In Poe's poem, the haunting raven continues to repeat the word 'Nevermore'. But could a raven really do something like that? Yes! Ravens have an uncanny ability to mimic sounds, just like parrots and parakeets can. They can even imitate human voices and repeat back words they've heard. If you said 'nevermore' to a raven repeatedly, it may say it back! 

2. Ravens have many folkloric meanings

In Norse mythology, the god Odin had a pair of ravens named Huginn and Muninn, who reported back to him on what has been happening all over the world each day. Ravens also play an important role in Native American stories, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. In these stories, ravens may be both tricksters and creator figures. In England, captive ravens live in the Tower of London, and legend says the kingdom will fall if the ravens ever leave. 

3. Ravens love to play

Sure, the raven may have a reputation for being spooky, but in reality, ravens are creatures that love to have fun. They may not quite be ready to play football, but they've been spotted playing catch with sticks while flying. They also like to roll and slide in the snow. They'll even tease and taunt other animals just for the fun of it. 

4. Ravens are not the same as crows

Both ravens and crows belong to the same family, the corvids. This family also includes birds like blue jays and magpies. Ravens and crows look similar, but there are a few important differences. Ravens are larger, with wedge-shaped tails, while crows are smaller and have tails that are fan-shaped. Ravens also have a lower and croakier call. 

5. Ravens live in western Maryland -- and at the zoo!

If you live in the western counties, you may have seen ravens outside for yourself. However, you don't have to live there to see a real raven for yourself. At the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, two African ravens named Rise and Conquer can be visited! They're the official team birds of the Baltimore Ravens football team, and they visit the stadium during home games, too. 

Leave a reply

sort by date

Latest articles

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Surprise The Kiddos In Your Life With These Perfect Picks

11/29/23

Surprise The Kiddos In Your Life With...

Shopping for the kids, toddlers, babies, and expectant moms in your life doesn't need to be stressful this holiday season! We've got plenty of gifts on deck that are sure...

read more
GIFT WRAP
Get Your Gift Wrap On!

10/30/23

Get Your Gift Wrap On!

  Sure, getting gifts is fun and exciting, but there's something so magical about picking out the perfect present for those important people in your life! And after you choose...

read more
HOROSCOPE
Madame Maryland's Horoscope: December 2023

11/14/23

Madame Maryland's Horoscope: December...

  Happy December, Marylanders! The year is winding down, and we're all thinking up New Year's resolutions and preparing for bountiful food and gifts. Ready to make the most of...

read more
6 Perfect Stocking Stuffers for That Special Someone

11/29/23

6 Perfect Stocking Stuffers for That ...

We all love a good stocking stuffer! The best stocking stuffers are small, but pack a big punch -- something that makes a big impact to the people who are...

read more
MR TRASH WHEEL
5 Facts About Mr. Trash Wheel

11/14/23

5 Facts About Mr. Trash Wheel

  Whether you're a Baltimore local or you've just been in the city for a day or two, you've probably spotted an odd creature in the water that's sucking up...

read more
WHITE ELEPHANT
6 Perfect Picks for the White Elephant Party

10/30/23

6 Perfect Picks for the White Elephan...

You know it, you love it -- it's the White Elephant party! If you've never participated in one, we'll explain the rules. Everyone at the party brings a wrapped gift,...

read more
HOLIDAY HACKS
10 Christmas Shopping and Decorating Hacks You'll Love

11/14/23

10 Christmas Shopping and Decorating ...

The holidays are a lot of fun...as long as the shopping, cooking, decorating, and gifting isn't getting too unmanageable. Well, we never like to see our fellow Marylanders stress out....

read more
THANKSGIVING
Give Thanks! 5 Maryland Things To Be Grateful For This Month

10/16/23

Give Thanks! 5 Maryland Things To Be ...

  There's a lot to be thankful for all over the world and all over the USA, but here in Maryland, we're awfully lucky. We've got a lot to reflect...

read more
REUSABLE BAG
Bag Ban? No Problem (Thanks To These Reusable Picks)

11/13/23

Bag Ban? No Problem (Thanks To These ...

If you're a Baltimore County resident, you've no doubt been rethinking your grocery store strategy for the last week and a half. Single-use plastic bags are gone from the shelves...

read more