Name: Bongo – Male

Species: Chihuahuan Raven

Liberty Arrival: 2019 / Adult

Injury/Condition: Foot deformity/ Imprint

Bongo was kept illegally as a pet by a member of the public. Once at Liberty Wildlife, it was noted his right foot was deformed and he was unable to use it. Surgery was done to help prevent his toes from fusing, and for him to be able to use it for balance. Bongo is able to stand on flat surfaces, but cannot use his right foot to grasp. Due to the damage to his foot, and his non fear of humans, Bongo cannot be released back into the wild.

Chihuahuan Raven Facts

Description: Chihuahuan ravens are between an American crow and common raven size. Unlike common ravens who are entirely black, the bases of the body and neck feathers on chihuauan ravens are white.

Habitat: Chihuahuan ravens inhabit dry areas where common ravens and American crows are less common. Grasslands, deserts with yucca, and small trees like mesquite and creosote are where they thrive.

Range: Chihuahuan ravens are found throughout the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico

Life span: Chihuahuan ravens typically live about 8 to 15 years in the wild, although lifespans of up to 40 years in captivity have been recorded.

Prey: Chihuahuan 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.

Nests: Female chihuahuan ravens build large, bulky nests with mesquite twigs and branches lined with softer material. Paris will frequently reuse nests.

Babies: Chihuahuan ravens lay 1 – 8 eggs in a clutch. Babies hatch after about 18 – 20 days. Youngsters fledge (learn to fly) about 35 days later.