The common raven (Corvus corax) is the largest of the corvids or crow family indigenous to the UK, and a species well-known in the more mountainous areas of Wales.

Although rocky outcrops in hill country is the more common habitat of the raven, it sometimes makes its home in towns and cities. Indeed, a pair currently nests on the roof of Cardiff University's main building.

Wales also has the unusual but spectacular Newborough Forest site, at which it is estimated up to 2000 individuals roosted in the early part of this century. The numbers have now fallen to about 800.

Its preferred food is a mixture of carrion and live mammals, birds and eggs.

Although larger than crows and rooks at about the size of a buzzard, it is most definitely identified by its call, a deep croak.

Persecuted by farmers and game-keepers for much of the 20th century, raven populations declined steadily but are now increasing in Wales and much of the UK apart from Scotland.