When you think of birds do you think of the kind that flock to a feeder? Or do larger birds pop into your mind? Maybe your brain goes to the Bald Eagle, a national symbol in the United States. What do you know about the Eagle, and it’s fellow raptors?
1. Bald Eagle screams in movies are actually red tailed hawks! Hollywood often uses the call of a hawk instead of the high-pitched eagle whistle.
2. Barn owls swallow their prey whole- bones, skin, and all.
3. Swainson’s hawks migrate 6,000 miles a year in a two month time period. This means they average 124 miles a day.
4. There are over 500 species of raptors/predatory birds.
5. Antarctica is the only continent without raptors, but is is home to Skuas that will eat eggs and other small or sick birds.
6. Each bird of prey has its own personality and hunting style- just like humans!
7. Kestrels are capable of seeing ultraviolet light. This capability allows them to track their prey by their urine output.
8. Most species of owls have asymmetrical ears on the sides of their heads.
9. Bald eagles are brown until they are 4-5 years old, at this time they develop their iconic white head.
10. Falcons have a sharp tooth on their beak that they use on prey.
Now you are ready to win at a birds of prey trivia night, or just feel accomplished for learning something new. Either way, knowledge is always something we can benefit from!
