In the biblical account, Noah first sent a raven out from the Ark.
Genesis 8:6–7 says that after the floodwaters began to recede, Noah opened the window and sent out a raven. The bird flew back and forth until the waters had dried from the earth. Noah later sent a dove, whose repeated journeys provided more specific signs about the condition of the land.
The raven is often overlooked because the dove is the bird most strongly associated with Noah’s Ark in art, literature, and popular culture. Genesis describes the dove returning first because it found no place to rest, then returning with a freshly plucked olive leaf, and finally not returning after the land had become suitable.
The raven and dove therefore have different narrative roles. The raven is the first bird released, while the dove supplies the best-known visual symbol of hope and renewal connected with the story.