A giant raven roost was discovered in Belgium this winter, setting a national record for the number of ravens in the field.
The roost was discovered in December 2023 in the Morchamp Forest near Saint-Hubert in Wallonia. On December 18th, between 488 and 620 ravens were counted at dusk, a new record for this species in Belgium.
Ornithomedia reports that the birds started arriving around 4pm and settled in the tops of tall beech trees. Some were confirmed to be breeding pairs, but most were believed to be immature birds. Various groups continued to arrive until about 5 p.m.
Ravens (Mark Fasol) flying to their roost in Wallonia.
Raven returns to Belgium
Ravens disappeared from Belgium in the 20th century, but were reintroduced to Wallonia in the 1970s. Since then, it has increased and spread, Atlas of breeding birds of Wallonia From 2001 to 2007, the population was stated to have ranged from 67 to 87 couples.
It is believed that the significant numbers this winter at Moshan may be related to the presence of abundant food sources. Since the fall of 2023, wild boar hunting activity has increased in the area, and in some places hunters are leaving carcasses behind, which attracts crows. And other scavengers.
Naturalist Harry Mardulin, who has been studying ravens in Wallonia for 10 years, said such flocks were likely the result of birds arriving not only from Belgium but also from neighboring countries, and suggested the social role of roosting. It is said that this is supported.
big roost in england
Large raven roosts are not unheard of. In the UK, a roost has existed on the island of Anglesey for more than 25 years, and in winter the population often exceeds 1,500 birds. It is believed to be the largest roost of its kind in Europe. According to the BTO, the species has made a significant recovery across the UK in recent years, with a recorded 43% increase in the national population between 1995 and 2020.
For more information about Ravens, please visit our species profile page.