Clarence
Common Raven Ambassador
Male
2009 / Adult
Imprint
About Clarence
Clarence showed signs of being imprinted when he first arrived at Liberty Wildlife. He was placed with other ravens but had no interest in associating with them. Liberty personnel determined that he was too dependent on human interaction to be released into the wild, and he became an on-site education bird.
Description
Common ravens have entirely black eyes, plumage, beaks, and feet. They have a thick neck with shaggy throat feathers.
Habitat
Common ravens thrive in most any habitat and do very well around human habitations including rural and suburban locations.
Range
Common ravens are found over most of the Northern Hemisphere in nearly every habitat.
Life Span
Common ravens typically live about 10 to 15 years in the wild although lifespans of up to 40 years in captivity have been recorded.
Prey / Food
Common ravens will eat almost anything they can find including carrion, small animals, eggs, insects, fish, grains, and berries as well as many types of human and pet food.
Babies / Nests
Ravens build stick nests on cliffs, in trees, and on structures such as power-line towers, billboards and bridges. Tree nests tend to be in a crotch high in the tree. Ravens lay 3 – 7 eggs in a clutch. Babies hatch after about 20 – 25 days. Youngsters fledge (learn to fly) about 50 days later.
Native American Folklore
Prayer to Raven
Raven that is,
Raven that was,
Raven that always will be.
Make prayers to the Raven.
Raven, brings us luck.
In Native folklore, Raven holds a significant place as a bird of great mystique and symbolism. Revered as a powerful and intelligent bird, Raven has been a central figure in the oral folklore of Native people across North America since time beginning.
As a Spirit helper, Raven is associated with wisdom and foresight, possessing deep knowledge and insight into the mysteries of the universe. It is said that those who can interpret Raven’s messages can gain valuable wisdom and guidance.
Native people consider Raven a trickster. Known for his mischievous nature and cunning intellect, this trickster aspect of Raven is revered and feared at the same time, as it represents both chaos and transformation. Many tribes believe that Raven’s tricks have the power to bring about change and teach important life lessons.
In the Haida Tribe of the Pacific Northwest, Raven is revered as a cultural hero and a symbol of creation. The Lakota Sioux Tribe connects Raven with healing and transformation. These diverse interpretations highlight the unique significance of Raven within each tribe.
In some Native American creation stories, Raven is seen as a powerful creator figure. According to certain tribes, Raven plays a pivotal role in shaping and forming the world as we know it today.
Native people of the Northwest tell the story of why they feed Raven. They say that before Raven came, the earth was dark and cold. When Ravin saw people living without shadows, he began a search for light. Raven finds light in the house of Sky Chief, who does not want to share it. So, Raven changes himself into a pine needle and floats down into the water that Sky Chief's daughter is drinking. In her stomach, he turns into a baby, to Sky Chief's delight. When the baby asks for and receives the shiny ball (the sun), he turns back into Raven and flies into the sky, placing the ball (the Sun) where all may enjoy it. In appreciation Native people of the Northwest always feed Raven when they can.
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