Our Resident Raven

Manitou

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: September 5, 2006

Sex: Male

Injury: Imprinted on Humans

History: Manitou was found in Merideth, New Hampshire when he was very young.  Although uncertain about how he was originally aquired, he was raised by people and became imprinted.  The person who found him brought him to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, New Hampshire where he lived for 2 years as an education bird.  Manitou is one of the more animated resident birds at the Sharon Audubon Center, readily flying over the front of the cage to greet people as they go by.  He is very vocal, mimicking many human sounds.  He is currently in training to be intergrated into the live animal programs that the Center provides.  The name Manitou comes from the Algonquian word meaning spirit.

Raven

(Corvus corax)

Did You Know?

Ravens are considered among the most intelligent of all birds; like crows, they can learn to imitate a variety of sounds, including the human voice!

Weight: 24-30 ounces

Height:  20-25 inches

Wing span: 40-48 inches

Lifespan: 15 years in the wild

Description:  The raven is the largest member of the Crow Family. Their coloration is pure black with a purple or violet sheen that can be seen under certain light. The tail is wedge-shaped during flight, which distinguishes it from crows.

Call: In nature, their calls include guttural croaks, gurgling noises, and a sharp, metallic "tock.

Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, from treeless tundra to coastal sea banks, rocky cliffs, forests, desert canyons, and open plains.

Range: Resident in North America from Alaska and Canada south through western United States to Baja California and Nicaragua. Found along the eastern United States from Canada to northern Georgia.

Diet:  Ravens are scavengers and will eat just about anything that is dead, but they will also hunt for mice, lizards, small birds, snakes, insects, and berries.