Crowned Raven
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The Crowned Raven falls under the same species of birds of prey that share similar characteristics to eagles, vultures and other ravens and is a common sight near the central and western coasts of Eldland, especially those near Kronstadt within the Kingdom of Reinar. Like other species of raven those beautiful creatures are known for their intelligent behaviour and interactions with one another and even humanoid individuals. Due to such nature those creatures have been tamed and trained by many individuals over the years, most often acting as a fancier replacement for carrier pigeons.
Physical Appearance
Similar to other species the Crowned Raven stands at fifty-four to seventy-one centimeters and has an average wingspan of one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty centimeters, while weighing in at a total of seven hundred to two thousand grams. Interestingly birds from the western coasts of Eldland are generally larger with slightly larger bills, while those from the central regions are smaller with proportionally smaller bills. It is assumed that this difference is based on their different supplies of prey which can be found in their respective regions.
Most of this bird's plumage, such as the shaggy plumage around the throat, the longer bristles above their beaks, and a longer, wedge-shaped tail-feathers, holds a black coloration and natural sheen to it, however, the main difference to other ravens is the coloration of the plumage of the head. Those feathers are known to hold a yellowish sheen to them, almost appearing as if the raven is wearing a crown of gold.
Mental Characteristics
Similar to most ravens this species also possesses incredible intelligence, often demonstrating complex problem-solving skills in their daily lives. Said intelligence can often be observed in the ravens' behaviours and actions, which often rival or even mimic those of most infant- and children-staged humanoids. As such some Crowned Ravens have been observed using tools, such as stones, to crack open nuts or to trade smaller twigs with other ravens for other tools, which the ravens could use.
Besides such characteristics the Crowned Raven is also known for their sophisticated social behaviour, as they are often seen flocking to one another and communicating with others of their species. Due to such behaviour, flocks of Crowned Ravens can be spotted frequently, most often around the fishing villages and farmlands of the coastal regions.
Lifespan and Development
The Crowned Raven is born from an egg, which has been laid and taken care of by their parents over the course of roughly thirty days (Two days out of character). The young fledglings are being taken care of by both parents for the first six weeks after hatching and will attempt flight for the first time after those initial weeks.
After leaving their nest for the first time the young ravens often stay close to one another and their parents for roughly two years, after which the ravens have reached sexual maturity and often start searching for a partner of their own. Once they have found a partner the individual Crowned Raven are known to stay with their partner for the rest of their lives.
Commonly Crowned Ravens live for a maximum of ten to fifteen years in the wild, due to their dependency on environmental factors, such as food, climate and more. However, if properly taken care of in captivity, those birds can reach a much older age, often ranging around thirty-five to forty years.
Territory and Grouping
The Crowned Ravens are not particularly territorial, often moving from region to region without a set territory. However, unlike most other species of ravens, these birds are often forming bigger flocks, which can range from thirty to over one hundred individuals, and travel within their flocks. Due to such unique grouping it is sometimes possible to spot quarrels between different flocks, which often result in one flock moving to another region as to avoid further conflicts.
Abilities
Crowned Ravens, like most birds, are capable of flight. While such may be the case the average flight time for a single period of flight ranges between seven to eight hours, after which the raven will rest or stop for roughly one to two hours until they continue their lengthy journey. During said journeys the raven can fly roughly with a speed of sixty kilometers per hour. If used as a carrier, for letters or smaller packages, the raven can only carry a total weight of 200 grams.
Like other corvids, the Crowned Raven has the capability of mimicking sounds from their environment, most often by including wing whistles and bill snapping. Such mimicry is often used for communication and has also been observed during the mating dances of the Crowned Raven. Some Crowned Ravens are even using their vocal capabilities to reproduce the call of their lost partner to encourage their return and guide them back to their nest or the individual raven.
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