AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Communal Roosting of Common Ravens in Southwestern Idaho

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1992
Authors:Engel, KA, Young, LS, Steenhof, K, Roppe, JA, Kochert, MN
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:104
Issue:1
Date Published:1992
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus corax
Abstract:From 1983-1987, Common Ravens (Corvus corax) used thirteen communal roosts on a segment of electrical transmission line that runs 597 km from south-central Idaho to south-central Oregon. Up to 2103 ravens were counted at a single roost that spanned approximately six km of transmission line and 15 transmission towers. Most roosts were occupied between spring and autumn; one was occupied year-round. Peak numbers of ravens at most roosts and peak numbers of occupied roosts occurred during late summer and early autumn. Ravens concentrated on the highest portions of transmission towers, although more ravens roosted on the lower portions of towers when winds exceeded seven km/h. Ravens arrived at roosts earlier relative to sunset during summer than during spring or fall. Soon after fledging, juvenile and adult ravens left nesting areas and moved as far as 60 km to communal roosts. Some ravens used more than one communal roost during a year, moving between roosts up to 63 km apart.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4163120
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith