The answer is: Raven

Gen 8:7 - we all remember the dove, but the raven was released first.

It's fascinating to dive a bit deeper into the story of Noah and the flood! When Noah first released the raven from the ark, it wasn’t just a random choice. The raven is often considered a scavenger, and in the context, it flew back and forth, probably checking if land was found-Way different from the second bird, the dove!

Now let's talk about that dove a minute. The sending out of the dove after the raven carries a caring imagery. When it finally returned with an olive leaf, the message was clear: life was returning to the earth after a time of destruction. The olive branch is used today as a symbol of peace—a neat connection showing how stories adapt and live on in different forms!

And here's a quirky tidbit: Ravens are associated with intelligence and adaptability in modern science. They can use tools and even play tricks—a sharp contrast to the often darker themes we see in their biblical portrayal. If you ever find yourself by the sea or in the woods, keep an eye out for these brilliant birds; who knows what lesson they might bring to you just like the one that came to Noah!

In essence, these birds not only served as a means to check the land but also signify deeper themes of renewal, change, and the promise of new beginnings—echoes that ripple through many other stories in the Bible.