Todd Telander - Birds of Prey

To my wife, Kirsten, my children, Miles and Oliver, and my parents, all of whom have supported and encouraged me through the years.

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Copyright 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield

Illustrations 2015 Todd Telander

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Information available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

eISBN xxx-x-xxxx-xxxx-x

Telander, Todd.

Birds of prey / by Todd Telander.

pages cm. (Falcon pocket guide)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4930-0223-8

1. Birds of prey. I. Title.

QL677.78.T45 2014

598.9dc23

2014035108

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Contents

Introduction

Birds of prey, commonly known as raptors, are typically defined as those birds that feed on other vertebrate animals. They also possess sharp, hooked bills and strong talons that they use together to tear apart the flesh of their prey. This group includes the diurnal raptors (meaning they are most active during the day), including the vultures, eagles, hawks, kites, harriers, falcons, and osprey, as well as those that are active mainly at nightthe owls. And although not technically birds of prey, I have included also the shrikes, which are raptorial in their habits despite being classified with the passerines. Birds of prey are found in nearly every habitat across the continent, from the Arctic Circle to the Mexican border, and even in the most populated urban centers. This guide is an introduction to fifty-five birds of prey that occur regularly in North America, from the massive California Condor, saved from the brink of extinction, to the majestic Bald Eagle, to the tiny Elf Owl of southwestern deserts. May you enjoy your exploration into this fascinating group of birds!

Notes About the Species Accounts

Order

The order of species listed in this guide is based on the latest version of the Checklist of North American Birds, published by the American Ornithologists Union.

Names

For each entry I have included the birds common name as well as the scientific name. Since common names tend to vary regionally, or there may be more than one common name for each species, the universally accepted scientific name of genus and species (such as Buteo lagopus for the Rough-legged Hawk) is a more reliable identifier. Also, you can often learn interesting facts about a bird from the English translation of its Latin name. For instance, the term buteo is Latin for a kind of hawk, and lagopus is Latin meaning rabbit foot, referring to the feathered legs of this bird.

Families

Birds of prey, like all birds, are grouped into families based on similar traits, behaviors, and genetics. When trying to identify an unfamiliar bird, it is often helpful to first place it into a family, which will limit your search to a smaller group. For example, if you see a raptor in open country during the day with narrow, pointed wings and fast, direct flight, you can begin your search in the family group of Falconidae (falcons), and narrow your search from there. Conversely, a large bird soaring high in the air on broad wings is most likely of the group of hawks (Accipitridae).

Size

The size listed for each bird is the average length from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail, if the bird was laid out flat. Sometimes females and males vary in size, and this is mentioned in the text (among the birds of prey, females are often larger than males). Size can be misleading if you are looking at a small bird that happens to have a very long tail or bill. It may be more effective to use the birds relative size, or judge the size difference between two or more species.

Range

Range refers to the geographical distribution of a species. Some birds of prey, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and the Great Horned Owl, can be found in suitable habits across North America, while others have extremely limited ranges, such as the Aplomado Falcon, which is found only in a small area of southeastern Texas. Examples of ranges are regions such as the Southwest, eastern United States, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and so on. Also consider that vagrant birds are capable of showing up in areas well outside of their normal range, while some birds may be absent from where they should occur.

Habitat

A birds habitat is one of the first clues to its identification. This describes the ecosystem type within a range, such as woodlands, grasslands, tundra, desert, mountains, riparian areas, or urban areas. Note the environment where you see a bird and compare it to the description listed.

Season

This identifies the season(s) you are most likely to find a bird within its range. Some birds are resident, meaning that they remain in one location throughout the year. Others may spend summers in one area and winters in another, briefly visiting the areas in between during spring and fall. Keep in mind there is always the possibility of a migrating bird remaining in an area longer than usual, or arriving earlier than usual, making the use of season only a general guide to identification.

Illustrations

Illustrations show the adult bird perched and in flight. If males and females differ considerably, I have included both sexes. Other plumages, such as those of juveniles and alternate morphs, are described in the text.

Bird Topography and Terms

Bird topography describes the outer surface of a bird and how its various anatomical structures fit together. Below are diagrams outlining the terms most commonly used to describe the feathers and bare parts of a bird: one of a diurnal raptor and one of an owl.

NEW WORLD VULTURES

California Condor , Gymnogyps californianus

Family Cathartidae ( New World Vultures )

Size: 46"

Range: Isolated areas in southern California and northern Utah

Habitat: Mountains, canyons, open areas

Season: Year-round

The California Condor was saved from the brink of extinction by extensive human efforts and has been re-introduced in the Southwest, but still leads a precarious existence in the wild. It is unmistakable because of its huge size (the wingspan reaches nine feet), noticeably larger than the eagles and other vultures. It is stocky with a rounded, featherless head that is grayish in juveniles and pink or reddish in adults. A distinct ruff of feathers encircles the neck. The plumage color is jet black except for white under-wing linings and thin white edges to the upper wing coverts. In soaring flight, the wings are very broad, held level or slightly bent up, with well-slotted primaries. The tail is relatively short. They use their keen sense of sight to detect mammalian carcasses upon which to feed. The illustrations show an adult perched and in flight.