In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim releases a raven last to test whether the floodwaters have receded.
After the storm, Utnapishtim sends out several birds from the boat. A dove is released and returns because it finds nowhere to land. A swallow is then sent and also returns. Finally, Utnapishtim releases a raven; it finds exposed land and does not return.
This sequence resembles the bird episode in Genesis but is not identical. Genesis describes a raven first and later focuses on a dove, while the Gilgamesh narrative places the raven last after the dove and swallow.
The bird tests show how ancient flood stories use animal behavior as a practical way to discover whether dry ground has appeared. They also provide a clear example of a shared motif with different narrative ordering.