THE BIRDS OF PREY
These creatures
go silently but swiftly as they dive towards their prey without missing their targets. They fly gallantly and
have no need to flap their wings. When next you look up at the sky and see one,
you probably have spotted a bird of prey.
Birds of
prey are birds that hunt other animals like rodents for food. They are also
known as RAPTORS. They are carnivorous because they are mostly
meat eaters.
These birds
have powerful hooked or curved beaks they use in tearing the flesh of their prey. They have strong legs, powerful
talons and keen eyesight.
MEET SOME OF THE COMMON BIRDS OF PREY
THE EAGLE
Eagles are
larger than the other birds of prey. They signify bravery. The eagle is a
powerful and fearless bird with strong muscular legs. Its hooked beak makes it
easy for it to rip its prey apart without difficulty and also defend their
young. Eagles are apex predator which
means they are at the top of the food chain. Some species of eagles feed on
meat and fish, reptiles and rodents while Harpy feed on larger animals like
monkeys and sloths.
THE HAWK
Hawks are
one of the largest groups of birds of prey.
They are easily recognized by their rusty – red tail feathers. Like the
eagle, hawks have powerful eye sight and strong talon to hunt small rodent like
mice. Unlike other birds of prey, the hawk is unique because it kills its prey with
its claws. They prey on ground dwelling mammals like mice, voles, rats,
squirrel and rabbits. Hawks live in forest, woodland and open field with high
places to rest. They need these high places to have a vantage point to spot
their prey.
THE OWL
Darkness is
never a barrier to these large – eyed night stalkers. These birds have sensitive
ears, excellent night vision and sharp talons that are perfect to locate their
prey. They are one of the nocturnal animals
so are rarely seen. They are known for their ability to turn their heads almost
completely around to spot their prey. They feed on invertebrates {such as
insects, spider, earthworms, snails} fish, reptiles, amphibians birds and small
mammals.
THE OSPREY
The osprey
is known as the ultimate fisher. Their diet is mostly live fish. They are
unique because of their ability to dive into the water and catch their prey. An
osprey can go under water to catch these preys. They usually go down with their
feet outstretched and their yellow eyes on their prey. Ospreys are always seen
around water ways and shorelines; standing on their huge stick nest ready to
attack.
Birds of prey are birds that live on other
animals to survive. When next you are outside, look up and see if you can spot
a bird of prey.
A BIRD OF PREY WITH ITS PREY
REFERENCE
The Web
Dictionary
Campbell
Wayne 1994 “Know Your Owl” Axia Wild life
National
Geographic- Birds/ Osprey
Birds cam
viewer spot Montana Osprey in Texas, “All About Birds, November 25, 2014.
QUESTIONS
What are the
common characteristics of birds of prey?
{Drop your
answers in the comment point}
See you next time on our Fun Facts
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