Raven

The raven (oreb in Hebrew, korax in Greek) was among the unclean birds forbidden as food (Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14) but is honored in several remarkable biblical episodes. Noah first sent out a raven after the Flood; unlike the dove, it went to and fro, finding no rest, until the waters dried up (Genesis 8:7). God supernaturally provided for Elijah at the brook Cherith by commanding ravens to bring him bread and meat morning and evening (1 Kings 17:4–6). Jesus cited God's care for ravens — who neither sow nor reap nor have storehouses yet are fed by God — as evidence that the heavenly Father cares far more for his people (Luke 12:24).

Ravens are black birds of the crow family known for intelligence and adaptability. The raven's dark color is celebrated in the Song of Solomon 5:11: the beloved's hair is described as black as a raven.