Common Raven in September
Where ravens are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Common Raven's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Common Raven specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 43 states and provinces where ravens occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where ravens are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, ravens are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Ravens are not nesting in September. The season runs February–May at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, ravens put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Insects, rodents, nestlings and carrion
Ravens are cautious at feeding stations and prefer quiet rural ground; they cache surplus food.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Watching ravens this month
Ravens are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region ravens are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Common Raven month by month
Common Raven by state
Frequently asked
Where are ravens in September?
In September, ravens are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do ravens nest in September?
No — ravens typically nest February through May at mid-latitudes.
What do ravens eat in September?
Insects, rodents, nestlings and carrion.
Sources
- Common Raven — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Common Raven life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Common Raven — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.