Raven (Corvus corax)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Common_raven_by_David_Hofmann.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Common Raven is a huge bird that is a member of the Crow family of birds, and is in fact the largest perching bird in Europe. They are distinguishable from most birds primarily through their huge size, and black feathers.
The Raven has a very adaptable, and varied diet, and often scavenge for food, and they are thought to be very intelligent birds, which most members of the crow family are.
When a pair of Ravens mate, their pair together for life.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/14/article-0-11BB572B000005DC-382_966x611.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Raven is often associated with the culture and heritage of Britain, and Ravens are a very common symbol of death, mainly due to its social connection with the tower of London, as they can often be seen on the grounds of the building, as the image below depicts.
It is said that at least 6 Ravens must remain at the grounds of the Tower of London, otherwise the Monarchy will apparently 'fall'.

destinationsuktowerravens1.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Raven has a morbid sense of majesty about them, in my opinion, as although they have an cultural association with death, they are beautiful birds, and a species that has had a long connection with the country.

http://upstreamonline.com.cdn.bitbit.net/incoming/article1333316.ece/alternates/article_main/Black%20Raven.jpg < image reference at this link.

I would love the chance to illustrate them as a part of my zine, and maybe it would be good to illustrate them in a way that portrays them via their general symbolic ties.

http://www.wildlifematters.org.au/images/Forest_Raven_Flight_AF_96761776.JPG < image reference at this link.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/r/raven/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Common_Raven
http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Tower-Ravens/












Thomas.