Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(seizer). An unclean bird of the crow (corvus) family. Translation much disputed (Lev. 11:15; 1 Kings 17:6; Song of Sol. 5:11).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Hooded Crow in Israel (Corvus Cornix)
The word oreb, from a root signifying “to be black,” appears to be used not only for the common raven, but for birds of the same genus (corvus), as the crow, the rook, etc., for we read of “every raven after his kind” as being unclean (Lev. 11:15; Deut. 14:14). The raven, when sent from the ark by Noah, could doubtless find food (though the dove could not), because it can feed upon carrion, though it went “to and fro” till the waters were dried up (Gen. 8:7). That the carnivorous ravens should bring flesh as well as bread to Elijah shows God’s miraculous power; He caused them to feed His servant (1 Kings 17:4, 6). They are greedy eaters, and have no storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them, and will surely feed those who trust in Him (Job 38:41; Psa. 147:9; Prov. 30:17; Song of Sol. 5:11; Isa. 34:11; Luke 12:24). There are several species of the raven in Palestine: it belongs to the order Insessores, family Corvidæ.
Jackdaw – Corvus Monedula
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
or mowreb {o-rabe'}; from 6150; a raven (from its dusky hue)