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DIET
Birds of prey have a hooked beak for
cutting and tearing meat. Many raptors
will either catch live prey or scavenge for
carrion. Some species favor only live
prey, while others prefer dead prey, and
a very few raptors will even supplement
their diet with fruit and other plant
material.
Birds of prey have a hooked beak for
cutting and tearing meat. Many raptors
will either catch live prey or scavenge for
carrion. Some species favor only live
prey, while others prefer dead prey, and
a very few raptors will even supplement
their diet with fruit and other plant
material.
WING SHAPE
Flight patterns are determined in part by
wing shape. For example, raptors with
long, broad wings can easily glide across
fields or soar on updrafts. Raptors with
short, broad wings are quick and
maneuverable. Other wing shapes are
more suited for spectacular high-speed
dives or hovering just above the ground.
Flight patterns are determined in part by
wing shape. For example, raptors with
long, broad wings can easily glide across
fields or soar on updrafts. Raptors with
short, broad wings are quick and
maneuverable. Other wing shapes are
more suited for spectacular high-speed
dives or hovering just above the ground.
DIGESTION
All raptors, except owls, have a crop that
stores excess food. The indigestible parts
of the prey are formed into a pellet in the
gizzard and regurgitated out the mouth.
Most raptor pellets contain only the hair,
feathers, or exoskeletons of their prey,
but owls cannot digest most of the bones,
so their pellets also contain bones.
All raptors, except owls, have a crop that
stores excess food. The indigestible parts
of the prey are formed into a pellet in the
gizzard and regurgitated out the mouth.
Most raptor pellets contain only the hair,
feathers, or exoskeletons of their prey,
but owls cannot digest most of the bones,
so their pellets also contain bones.
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM
Most female birds of prey are larger and
heavier than the males. This is known as
reverse sexual dimorphism. The
difference in size between raptors sexes
increases as the prey's speed and agility
increases. The size difference allows a
mated pair to hunt a greater variety of
prey within their territory.
Most female birds of prey are larger and
heavier than the males. This is known as
reverse sexual dimorphism. The
difference in size between raptors sexes
increases as the prey's speed and agility
increases. The size difference allows a
mated pair to hunt a greater variety of
prey within their territory.
HUNTING SENSE
All birds of prey have exceptionally keen
vision. In addition, owls can see well in
dim light. Owls and a few other birds of
prey have a facial disc that captures
sound and helps them detect the position
of their prey. A few New World vultures
are capable of smelling the location of
carrion.
All birds of prey have exceptionally keen
vision. In addition, owls can see well in
dim light. Owls and a few other birds of
prey have a facial disc that captures
sound and helps them detect the position
of their prey. A few New World vultures
are capable of smelling the location of
carrion.
SIZE
There are about 500 species of birds of
prey. They vary greatly in size. The
5-inch, 1 1/2 ounce Elf Owl and 8-inch,
3 ounce pygmy falcons are some of the
smallest raptors, while the 30-pound male
Andean Condor with an 11-foot wingspan
is the largest raptor.
There are about 500 species of birds of
prey. They vary greatly in size. The
5-inch, 1 1/2 ounce Elf Owl and 8-inch,
3 ounce pygmy falcons are some of the
smallest raptors, while the 30-pound male
Andean Condor with an 11-foot wingspan
is the largest raptor.