Raven

Raven (Corwus corax), a bird of the Crow family, widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, but becoming rare in Britain. The total length is about two feet, and the black plumage is in some parts varied with purple. The bill and legs are black. They still breed in some places along the south coast, but are more plentiful in the north. In a few cases they are protected in parks. They are useful birds in so far as they prey upon rats, but they attack feathered and furred game, and even lambs, so that gamekeepers and farmers combine to destroy them. The Raven plays an important part in folk-lore, and is the first bird mentioned by name in the Old Testament. It was sent out of the ark by Noah, but it did not return.