The age structure, movement and interspecific behaviour of the common raven (Corvus corax principalis Ridgway) in winter

From November 27, 1976 to February 25, 1977 a study of the age structure, movement and interspecific behaviour of the Common Raven (Corvus corax principalis Ridgway) was based in Kings Co., Nova Scotia. One hundred and fifty ravens were trapped, aged, measured, and individually colour-marked in order to obtain information on movement of individuals and to provide birds of known ages for behavioural observations. Of these, 63, 15, and 22 percent were juveniles, subadults, and adults, respectively. Sixty-three or 42 percent of the ravens colour-marked were sighted, retrapped, or both sighted and retrapped following their initial capture. Observations in the Kings Co. area and elsewhere in central Nova Scotia indicated that there was much movement of ravens during the winter months. Ravens were seen at locations up to 76 km from the banding Site of Gaspereau. Of these, more juveniles than subadults and adults were seen. Fifty-two hours of observations were undertaken of the interspecific interactions of the Common Raven with Bald Eagles, Great Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls and Common Crows, and a number of behaviours described.