Ravens are among the cognitively most advanced birds, with problem-solving abilities that require environmental complexity for adequate welfare.
Ravens require cognitive stimulation and behavioral challenges proportional to their exceptional intelligence. Captive ravens in inadequately enriched environments develop behavioral problems including feather destruction and stereotypies. Urban ravens that rely heavily on human food waste may have some natural behaviors impaired while others remain intact. Understanding raven cognitive needs is important for both captive management and urban wildlife coexistence.