The bald eagle-found only in North America-is our national symbol. There are 290 species of raptors worldwide, 33 in North America and 19 that have been observed in Missouri. Owls (Order Strigiformes) share many traits with these raptors but are nocturnal, hunt primarily by sound rather than vision and swallow prey whole rather than tearing it apart. Scientists have placed eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey, kites and vultures into the taxonomic order Falconiformes. Large hawks, eagles and vultures can glide for miles on rising air currents kites can dart and swoop like acrobats and falcons can dive with terrific speed. Most raptors lay one to three or four to six eggs every year, depending on the species, with both parents usually sharing in incubation and brood rearing. Nests are often used year after year by the same birds and grow larger each season. Nests constructed from sticks in tall trees, along cliffs or even atop utility poles.Because of this, males and females sometimes seek different-sized prey, which is especially helpful for brood survival. The female is sometimes as much as twice as large as the male. Size difference between males and females in many species.Solitary hunting strategy, although vultures and, to some extent, bald eagles, are scavengers.Simple calls-harsh, high-pitched screams, cries or whistles.
These bony projections also shield raptors’ eyes from the sun as the birds soar to stalk prey.
A bony shield above each eye, protecting the eyes from tree limbs, brush and struggling prey.If you could see like a hawk, you could read a newspaper from a football field away. Sharp vision, up to eight times better than humans.A large, curved beak for tearing flesh.In fact, the word raptor derives from the Latin raptus (“one who seizes”). Strong feet, toes and talons, for killing and holding prey.
What Makes a Raptor a Raptor?ĭespite differences in size, habitat, feeding habits and flight, most raptors share the following traits: Eagles, hawks, falcons and most other raptors, however, hunt during the day, allowing us to observe their predator-prey relationships in forests, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and even along roadsides. That’s because most predators, including bobcats, otters, coyotes and our nocturnal raptors, the owls, primarily hunt at night. We know more about the hunting behavior of raptors, aptly known as “birds of prey,” than we do about many of Missouri’s other native predators.
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