Australasian Raven

Australasian ravens aren't very physically unusual for virtue of being part of a globe-spanning bird family. They are noticeably larger than their Old World cousins, and their brain-to-body ratio is also higher. Where they do differ significantly is in psychology and behaviour. Australian ravens possess intelligence comparable to a small child and can be trained for menial tasks like carrier pigeons can. They're excellent problem solvers, even being capable of disarming and rearming a simple pistol in exchange for food. While regular ravens already have complex social behaviours, Australian ravens take it a step further. They've been observed engaging in individual relationships like sexual pairing, friendship, rivalry and vassalage. The bigger and smarter ravens usually lead their murder (of ravens!), with the rest paying a "food tax" every once in a while. Alpha ravens also pair with the biggest, most intelligent females producing superior heirs. These are respected by the murder and, when the alpha dies, usually take their place. Australasian ravens have been observed using tools like sticks and stones for a very wide array of tasks; spearing, dive bombing with rocks, baiting insects, constructing roofed nests, grooming, etc.