Description

An original oil painting of a Raven on a fence post. This large black bird has been painted with a palette knife for a loosely textured artwork. The Raven is also available with a bright red or pink background from my Animal Paintings Gallery.



The common Raven, also named the Northern Raven or American Raven, is a large black bird and is found in the Northern Hemisphere. The Raven is around 25 inches in length and 2 1/2 pounds in weight. They can live up to 20 years and feed on insects, grains, berries, fruit and small animals.

Ravens are considered among the most intelligent of birds, can work together to solve problems and mimic the calls of other bird species.

Ravens and crows look similar, but ravens are larger and often fly in pairs. The crow's tail feathers are much the same length and when spread it opens like a fan. Ravens have longer middle feathers in their tails so that it appears more of a wedge shape. Both birds are iridescent black, although a raven's feathers shine with a blue tint when the sun hits. Crows make a cawing sound and ravens give more of a croaking sound.

Ravens build their nests on cliffs, trees and sometimes on power-line towers, telephone poles, billboards, and bridges. Cliff nests are usually under a rock overhang.

Ravens are still kept at the Tower of London and have their own Yeoman Warder to care for them. Legend says that if they ever leave the tower, the British Empire will crumble.

Ravens are found in Celtic mythology and were linked to darkness and death. War goddesses often took the form of a raven. It was said that the knight Owein (in the medieval Welsh tale) battled King Arthur in a dream world assisted by Ravens. It was even said that King Arthur was turned into a raven after death so it was considered unlucky to kill one.



This Raven print has been featured in the following Fine Art America Groups: Images that Excite, Artists' Cards - fine art greeting cards



Bird prints are available as stretched canvas prints, acrylic, metal, framed, posters, phone cases, greeting cards, duvet covers, tote bags and throw pillows.