Affectionate raven pair at Bryce Canyon (photo from Wikimedia Commons)

5 September 2025

Common ravens (Corvus corax) mate for life and stay together year round on their territory, defending it against other ravens. Since they typically live 10 to 15 years or as much as 23 years in the wild, the pair has lots of opportunity to strengthen their pair bond including aerial displays and strutting on the ground. Less often seen is their quiet way of communicating affection.

Vance Crofoot, who films raven behavior in California, captured this moment between the mated pair he calls Jack and Anna. Watch as they whisper sweet nothings to each other.

p.s. You can tell the difference between Jack and Anna because male ravens are larger than females.