Budgie parakeets > Talking birds > Raven

Raven

This is one of the most noted birds in the poetry of Europe, being often considered a bird of ill omen. It is of symmetrical appearance, stately demeanor, with glossy black plumage, reflecting shades of purple and green. The tongue seems to be unusually broad which renders him able to pronounce words easily and he is considered quite proficient as a talker.

He is a very active bird, continually prying into everything, and will pilfer and steal whatever he covets. He delights in making friends with a dog, playing tricks on the cat and striving to ingratiate himself into the favor of the cook from whom he learns to expect his food.

The natural food of the raven is carrion, but they will frequently kill chickens and rabbits, and sometimes attack young or sickly lambs. He is a voracious eater and frequently when kept as a pet he is allowed his liberty around the yard; sometimes clipping one wing or keeping him tied with a long small cord will prevent his flying. In former days the sayings of a raven were looked upon with great superstition, akin to fear, and a host of raven stories might be compiled.

Captain Ross speaks of the raven as being one of the few birds capable of braving the severity of an Arctic winter, so it will be seen that it is a very hardy bird.

Frequently the cord which is prominent on the under side of the raven's tongue is cut with the expectation that they will thereafter be better enabled to move it and articulate more clearly, but we know that there are many of these birds which have excellent ability as talkers that have never had the tongue cord cut.