Ravens in the Mojave Wasteland have relatively the same appearance as ravens from before the Great War. They are one of the few creatures to be visually unaffected by radiation.
Characteristics
Biology
Ravens in Fallout: New Vegas have distinctive black feathers. They are not considered an enemy, and will fly away if the player tries to get near it (approximately 10–15 feet). They can be killed if detected early enough, but there is no associated challenge for this other than Lord Death, I Dismember You, and a few others which are tied to any enemy. They will explode when shot, similar to how normal NPCs explode when killed when the player has the Bloody Mess perk.
Ravens are often found in pairs, especially along highways.
Around and in the entrance to Primm on the highway.
Notes
Ravens are the weakest creatures in the game, and cannot be targeted by V.A.T.S.
When killed, they give only one experience point (two with the Swift Learner perk).
Ravens can't be searched when killed, they simply explode in a burst of blood and feathers upon dying. They are the only creature in the game guaranteed this death without the Bloody Mess perk.
They appear as a friendly marker on your compass that may remain for a few seconds after it flies off.
Ravens in the Mojave Wasteland appear to have only two frontal talons on their feet (instead of three).
With the Animal Friend perk, the ravens might not fly away when you approach them.
The first raven in the game is seen flying off when exiting Doc Mitchell's house.
Once a raven is encountered, they will not respawn.
If one is damaged but not killed (for example, by an explosion nearby) they will register as a red blip on the compass, as a hostile would.
Despite having a melee damage, and capable of turning 'hostile', ravens will not attack the player, but rather fly away as usual if the player is too close.
Ravens can still be shot midair when they fly away if you're fast enough.
Playstation 3 Even if the raven is in mid-air, if you hit the area it was originally standing on (a few seconds after it takes off) it will still be killed and "dismembered" even though your hit did not visually make contact. This makes it possible to kill it with melee or unarmed weapons. [verified]
Playstation 3 If you kill a raven while looking down the sights, as soon as you shoot it, the iron sight animation will glitch, and you will appear to be holding the gun lower than normal. Releasing the aim button will fix this, and has not occurred when killing any other creatures or enemies in the game. [verified]