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The common raven is a large, heavy-billed black bird. Ravens are larger than crows and have more rugged plumage. Ravens are also the largest perching bird, and can have a wingspan of more than 4 feet. Ravens are very intelligent birds and are known to collect shiny objects. Ravens are scavengers, unlike crows, and are drawn to carrion. As a result, various cultures have associated them with death. Ravens are found in deserts, forests and mountainous areas around the world.
In Navajo teaching, a "two-faced" creature was responsible for both the creation of the world and for bringing death into that same world. Along with coyote, rattlesnake, and spider, raven is considered a "two-faced" creature.
"Grand Canyon raven at Hopi Point, December 6, 2010" by Michael Quinn is licensed under CC BY.
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References
Beck, Peggy V. and A.L. Walters
1977 The Sacred: Ways of Knowledge, Sources of Life. Tsaile: Navajo Community College
Press.
Encyclopædia Britannica
N.d. Raven. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/492234/raven, accessed May
21, 2014.