Birds of prey

Environmental Systems and Societies ASSIGNMENT ON BIRDS OF PREY.

Spring 2010 Mr. Alaniz

Instructions. Attend the live birds presentation on birds of prey at lunch time in the MS field. Take pictures, listen to the speaker, ask questions and get yet beautiful marvel by these courageous birds. Then research and answer these questions. Submit it the first day of next week.

   1. From theflight demonstration, write the names of the species shown:

   2. Explain what sense is the most developed in these birds that surpasses all other terrestrial animals.
              Good Eyesight

   3. What are the sizes of males vs. females in birds of prey?
Females are usually larger.

   4. What are their main weapons used for killing their prey?
Their claws, talons and hooked beaks tocatch and kill their prey.

   5. How do they fly? (feather structure and the physics behind it)

Falcons fly at fast speeds, Because their body is streamlined Which lets them cut through the air easily.

   6. How are different raptors from other birds? (3 characteristics)
Hooked beaks with sharp edges
Feet with sharp claws
Keen eyesight

   7. How are different hawks from falcons?    Falcons generally catch their prey (birds) on the wing, while hawks pick up things that are like rabbits running around on the ground.

   8. What myths / superstitions people have about them?
That they are dangerous.

   9. Why are birds of prey important for ecosystems?
      Many plants in an ecosystem are dependent upon seed dispersal for successful regeneration and seed birds are majorcarriers. Although some birds are plant eaters Primarily, many are predators, and their food includes insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Birds are important agents in keeping populations of these prey organisms in check. Birds not only function as predators, but they themselves serve as prey, forming an important link in ecosystems' food chains. The range and diversity of birds'functioning in ecosystems includes pollination; a hummingbird pollinator --- --- as a wildflower is a familiar example. Birds --- Because they can move great distances in a relatively short period of time --- are important carriers of disease organisms, not only for humans but for animals and plants.

  10. What is in your opinion, the reason falconry is such a special sport?

      It is specialBecause falcons prey on pigeons and get them out of places
      Where they are not wanted. The falcons at ASF have really helped with
      getting rid of all the pigeons.

II. Watch the power point presentation in black board on raptors and answer the next questions:
         • Who are the raptors?
           Eagles
           Osprey
           Hawks
           Owls
           Kites           Harriers
           Buzzards and vultures
           Goshawks and condors

         • What do they feed on?
           Small mammals such as mice and rabbits, fish, snakes, and even other birds.
         • What are talons?
           A bird of prey's toenails are called talons. Talons are very sharp, hook-like appendages that are used to catch prey and balance on trees.

         • Why theydo not have teeth?
           Teeth are heavy and would make it very difficult for birds to fly. This is especially important for birds of prey who must fly swiftly to catch their food.

         • How are birds of prey classified?
           Falconiformes are "diurnal" which means they hunt mainly during the day - for example, eagles, hawks and falcons. This order includes four "families" -Cathartidae (vultures), Accipitridae (hawks, eagles and kites), Pandionidae (osprey ), Falconidae (falcon and kestrel).
           Stringiformes is just a fancy way of saying owls. This order includes two "families" - the Tytonidae (barn owls) and the Strigidae (all other owls).

         • How many eggs do they lay?
           Most birds of prey lay one to six eggs, but they do not...