They're "cousins", the crows and the Raka. they can turn into each other.

But for some reason, I always pictured Nawat as "white" though a very well-tanned white. I believe that when he comes back in TQ he is described as "sun-bronzed" or something.

but when i actually though about the logistics of the Raka connection, (I can't believe I'm using the word 'logistics' when I'm talking about magic) i figured that it would only make sense for Nawat to be black.

Something to ponder.

oh... and can PART-RAKA turn into crows? or do you have to be full-blood?