Species Info

CORVIDS (CROWS & RAVENS)

Young Crows & Ravens ( Part of the Corvid Family) leave the nest before they can fly. Corvids found on the ground should not need rescuing, unless sick or injured (or if they are in immediate danger). A danger zone is on or beside a road, close to predators, domestic pets ( ESP CATS!) or human interference. They leave the nest to fledge, explore and learn to be in the wild but also because in the nest they are a sitting target for larger birds of prey. The adults are usually around and will feed them and protect them.

If you find a healthy corvid fledging on the ground and feel they are not safe, you can place them on a low tree branch (if it is the tree with the nest above). They are good climbers even at fledgling age and they also know how to hide from danger.

One of the dangers of taking away a young corvid is that they tame easily, which makes life in the wild extremely dangerous for them! Another issue is that they will be missed! Corvids are very family-orientated and the young, even after growing up, will normally stick around for 2-3 years with family members and even help their parents raise future clutches.

You can identify fledgling crows and ravens by the red colour inside their mouth when they gape ( corners of their mouths will be pinkish red when closed) they are fluffy and stay low to the ground and have blue eyes.

It is also illegal to have a crow as a pet ! You must possess a permit

So if you see a fledgling Crow or Raven that is not injured, please leave them be ! Crows & Ravens are fantastic parents and rarely need our intervention