Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia 27 Oct 2025

Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Perched high in the mountains of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, the thick-billed raven holds the title of the world"s largest raven. At nearly 70 centimetres in length and weighing more than 1.5 kilograms, it is about a quarter heavier than the common raven. Its enormous, arched bill—pale at the base and close to 9 centimetres long—is the largest among perching birds. These ravens live mostly between 1,500 and 3,500 metres above sea level, found across farmland, rocky cliffs and even rooftops in mountain towns.

© Ignacio Yufera/FLPA/Minden Pictures

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