In Genesis, Noah first sent a raven from the Ark after the waters began to recede. Genesis 8:7 says that the raven went back and forth until the waters dried from the earth.
Noah then sent a dove, creating the better-known sequence in the story. The dove returned because it found no resting place, was sent again seven days later, and came back with a freshly plucked olive leaf. A third release of the dove showed that the waters had receded sufficiently for the bird to remain away.
The raven and dove are often remembered in reverse order because the dove and olive leaf became especially familiar symbols of peace and renewal. However, the Genesis narrative clearly places the raven first.
The birds also function as practical signs within the story. Their ability to fly and find a place to land gave Noah information about changing conditions outside the ark while the family remained enclosed.