Ravens play a pivotal role. They eat the carrion, and can also be raised as pets. They're remarkably intelligent, and are a great bird. They were very important in literature, from the norse god Odin (who had two of them), to the tower of London (the legend is if the Ravens leave the tower, then it will fall).
Crows... are just off brand ravens. Noisy counterparts. Also, how do you find pigeons when you search for crows? That makes no sense...