Come spooky season, it’s all about bats, owls and ravens. But the reality is that common ravens (Corvus corax) are prevalent across Arizona year-round. The large birds can weigh up to 4 pounds and measure 25 inches in length. In spite of their heft, ravens are highly skilled aerialists, with an ability to do rolls and somersaults and even fly upside down for more than half a mile. They’re smart, too — their intelligence is comparable to that of apes. And they’re food opportunists, feeding on carrion, insects, grains, berries, nesting birds and food waste. In Diné lore, ravens are often portrayed as tricksters alongside coyotes (see They’re Wily, All Right) and as messengers between the physical and spirit worlds.