Rolling ravens

[hatless]

Ravens sometimes flip over onto their backs for a moment, then right themselves again, and they seem to tuck their wings in for a second while they do it. I've seen many of them do this, but it's such an odd maneouvre. What are they playing at?

I've heard it suggested that they do it to slow down. Certainly, when I've seen them do it they have been flying down and into the wind, but the explanation doesn't really convince me. I think it could be that they do it to lose height, though.

Does anyone have any theories about this? Do any other birds do anything similar?

[Jonners]

I can't give any info on Ravens, but I have seen geese doing similar as they come in to land; "whiffling" I was informed, and again, to slow down.



Notice the one at the centre top - its body is upside down whilst it has kept its head on the level.

[hatless]

Originally Posted by Jonners

I can't give any info on Ravens, but I have seen geese doing similar as they come in to land; "whiffling" I was informed, and again, to slow down.



Notice the one at the centre top - its body is upside down whilst it has kept its head on the level.

It's interesting that you can see more surface area of the wing on the upside-down goose. The others (apart from the one that seems to be flying on edge - half way through a roll, presumably) are showing only the slenderest edges of their wings. So the upside-down one must be slowing down more.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Ravens are famous for being highly aerobatic birds. Apart from display and territorial disputes it has been suggested that when not in connection to these activities it is a kind of play between birds or on their own.

Cheers,

Adam

[Naturenutz]

there is an interesting book , entitled "In the company of crows and ravens,describing the lives of crows and ravens ,there behaviour's and their relationships with humans. By Marzluff and angell.

[Beekeeper]

It may seem a daft question but i have never known for sure if a Raven is a distinct species or just a Jackdaw/Crow by another name, perhaps someone could tell me please.

Ian

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

It may seem a daft question but i have never known for sure if a Raven is a distinct species or just a Jackdaw/Crow by another name, perhaps someone could tell me please.

Ian

It is a distinct species with quite a wide global distribution, though there are other species of raven too overseas. Ours is the largest corvid in Europe, most common in the west + north in the UK but spreading eastwards.

Considerably larger than a Crow with a distinct diamond shaped tail in flight. Also very distinct call.

[tich007mt]

Here's the evidence, Hatless. I won't Crow about it but I was Choughed to get this photo of Rolling Ravens at South Stack a couple of years back.



Cheers

Tich

[Gill Catton]

There's another thread about this:

Reason for Raven Acrobatics?

Hope this link works!!

[artdemole]

Watched Wild Wales on BBC wales Sunday.The program showed ravens doing rolling ,said it was for showing off.