The Common Raven is a special species of a bird that has accompanied the people living around the northern hemisphere for very many centuries. They use their wagons, sleighs, hunting parties and sleighs as an advantage to get a quick meal. They are among the smartest (Marzluff & Angell 2005). They have gained the reputation of being used by scientists to solve complex problems. They have the ability to mimic other birds, and are also in a position to be taught new words when raised in captivity.
A genetic study that examined their DNA revealed that all Common Ravens fall into either of two clades: a Holarctic clade that is found across most parts of the northern hemisphere, and a California clade, found mostly in parts of southwestern United States. It can be quite difficult to distinguish the birds from either clade because they look alike. However, the two groups are distinct genetically.
According to the findings with basis on their mitochondrial DNA, those that are mostly found in the United States are very closely related to those found in Asia and Europe, than the ones of the California clade. In addition, there is a very close relation between those in the Californian clade and the Chihuahuan Raven, than the ones classified under the Holarctic clade (Marzluf & Angell 2005). The Holarctic clade Ravens are related closely to the Pied Crow, than to the ones in the California Clade. The Common Raven species are, therefore, traditionally delimited to be paraphyletic.
They are usually long-lived. The domesticated or protected ones have been found to live for up to 40 years and even more. However, the wild Common Ravens have shorter life-spans of 10-15 years. It is no surprise that studies have found the longest living wild Common Raven to have lived for 23 years and 3 months only.