Raven

Ravens are a fascinating member of the corvid family, which are known for their intelligence, and the raven is no exception.

They are often to be seen above the sea cliffs, showing off in aerial displays that include inverting their wings to fly upside down, which they appear to do just for fun.

There is an often-told story that the original ravens in the Tower of London came from Ramsey and that if the ravens were ever to leave the Tower then London would fall.

Whilst there is little actual evidence to support this, the legends surrounding the Ravens of the Tower are many and varied.

Ravens are one of the top predators on the island, feeding extensively on the chicks and eggs of visiting seabirds, so much so that the hatching of their young coincides with the visitors laying their eggs so they can feed their young with auk eggs and chicks. They will also eat rabbits and aren’t above feeding on carrion.