Ravens, like other birds, rely primarily on vision to navigate and find food. Their eyes are specifically adapted for daytime vision, enabling them to perceive a wide range of colors, including ultraviolet light. However, they lack the specialized structures necessary for seeing in low-light conditions.
The key feature for night vision is a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. The tapetum is located behind the retina and acts like a mirror, reflecting light back through the eye's photoreceptor cells. This increased light sensitivity helps enhance vision in dim environments.
While many nocturnal mammals and some birds, like owls, possess the tapetum lucidum, ravens do not. Hence, they are not equipped for seeing in the dark. Instead, ravens rely on their excellent hearing and heightened sense of smell to navigate during nighttime hours or in dimly lit environments.