Latest news with #birdsofprey
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The Largest ‘Bird Of Prey' In The World (Hint: It's Also The World's Heaviest Soaring Bird)
Birds, by design, tend to be small, light and streamlined. Yet there are some that push the ... More boundaries of size. Here is the avian world's best example of an ultra-heavyweight flyer. Birds of prey are defined by their sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight, and carnivorous diet – all of which enable them to hunt, kill or scavenge other animals for food. The bald eagle is a classic example of a bird of prey. It has a powerful, hooked beak. It has sharp talons for catching fish. Its eyesight is incredible. And it has a carnivorous diet, mainly eating fish and small mammals. An example of a bird that wouldn't qualify as a bird of prey is the American robin. The robin is much smaller and has a diet consisting mainly of worms, berries and insects. It doesn't have talons and its eyesight isn't nearly as impressive as a bald eagle's. There are several hundred birds of prey that exist in the world today. Some belong to the family Accipitridae, which comprises hawks, eagles, kites and harriers. Others belong to the family Falconidae and are falcons. Owls, ospreys, vultures and the snake-hunting secretarybird also fall into the bird of prey category. The largest bird of prey happens to be a vulture – a condor, to be precise. It is the Andean condor and it weighs up to 35 pounds. It is not the heaviest bird (that would be the flightless ostrich) and it is not the heaviest flying bird (that would be the great bustard) but it is the heaviest bird of prey. Here is the story of this fantastic flying creature. The Andean Condor – A Superlative Among Superlatives Andean condor perched on a rock, displaying its powerful build and characteristic bald head. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) has a wingspan of 10+ feet (the largest wingspan of any land bird). Despite its 30+ pound physique, it soars effortlessly, gliding on thermal air currents with minimal wing-flapping. This is a skill that conserves energy during long flights. Unlike many birds of prey that actively hunt, the Andean condor is primarily a scavenger. It feeds mainly on the remains of dead animals, often spotting carcasses from high in the sky due to its exceptional eyesight. This role is vital in its ecosystem, as condors help clean up dead matter, making sure none of nature's bounty is wasted. Its bald head, often tinted with red or yellow hues, is an evolutionary adaptation to its scavenging lifestyle, helping to keep the head clean when feeding on carcasses. The condor's size and soaring ability allow it to travel vast distances across the rugged Andean landscape in search of food. Its wings are broad and equipped with 'primary feathers' that spread out like fingers, providing extra lift and maneuverability, which is crucial in navigating mountainous wind currents. Remarkably, these birds can fly for hours without landing, covering more than 150 miles in a single day without flapping their wings. Sidebar: Impressed by the Andean condor? Meet the world's tallest, and rarest, eagle here: The Andean condor's soaring ability has been quantified in extraordinary detail. A 2020 study published in PNAS used high-resolution biologging data to track every wingbeat of wild Andean condors across more than 200 hours of flight. The researchers found that condors flap their wings for less than 1% of their total flight time, with one bird covering over 100 miles in a single stretch without flapping at all. Most of the energy expenditure is concentrated during takeoff, while the rest of their movement is powered almost entirely by rising air currents. Even immature birds with limited experience were able to navigate mountainous terrain for hours at a time without powered flight, highlighting the species' extreme specialization for energy-efficient soaring. This efficiency is essential for aerial scavengers like the condor, since their large bodies make each wingbeat metabolically expensive. Andean condor soaring over the Andes, showcasing its massive wingspan and effortless gliding ... More ability. Engineers have even recently looked to the Andean condor for inspiration in designing more efficient wind turbines. You can read this article for the full details, but here are the cliff notes: A 2024 study published in the journal Energy found that mimicking the shape of the condor's wings led to a more efficient wind turbine blade, with an estimated 10 percent increase in energy production. Researchers added curved tips, known as winglets, to existing turbine blades. Modeled after the condor's splayed wingtips, these modifications created a more aerodynamic design that reduced drag and increased lift. The Andean condor is culturally important to the indigenous peoples of the Andes. It is looked to as a symbol of power, health and freedom, and features prominently in Andean mythology and folklore. The Andean condor faces many conservation challenges. Habitat loss, poisoning from carcasses tainted with pesticides or lead, and hunting have led to declining populations in some areas. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat protection, are ongoing. When comparing the Andean condor to other large birds, it holds a unique niche. While the ostrich dwarfs the Andean condor in weight, the ostrich is flightless. The great bustard, though sometimes larger than the Andean condor, is not nearly as capable a flyer. The condor, however, combines size with unparalleled soaring ability, making it the king of birds of prey. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The Most Abundant ‘Bird Of Prey' In The World. Hint: More Than 5 Million Exist, But You Won't Find Any In North America
Raptors, also known as 'birds of prey,' are not nearly as common as their less confrontational ... More cousins, like the sparrow, starling or swallow. Here's the raptor that you're most likely to find in the wild, assuming you don't live in the Americas. Generally speaking, there are three groups of raptors. One is 'accipitriformes.' These are diurnal (daytime) raptors and include hawks, eagles, kites, vultures and harriers. There's also 'strigiformes.' These are nocturnal (nighttime) raptors and include all species of owls. Then there's 'falconiformes.' This class comprises all falcon species – which, although also diurnal, are genetically distinct from eagles, hawks and the other accipitriformes. Some ornithologists might get fancier with their raptor classifications – possibly further subdividing these to highlight the evolutionary uniqueness of new world vultures, the secretarybird and the osprey – but the delineation above works as a general rule of thumb. Remember, what separates raptors from all other bird species is their carnivorous diet and hunting ability, including sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight and powerful flight muscles. However, these traits don't necessarily reflect shared ancestry. For example, falcons are more closely related to songbirds than to other raptor lineages. Of all of these raptor species, the most abundant is the black kite. Here's the story of the world's most common bird of prey. (Sidebar: Fascinated by remarkable birds? See here to meet the world's rarest eagle, and here to learn about the oldest known bird still alive today.) The Black Kite - The Most Common In A Class Of Rarities Black Kite (Milvus migrans). Abundant, adaptable, and widespread, the black kite (Milvus migrans) is a unique raptor. While many birds of prey are elusive, rare, or highly specialized, black kites thrive across a variety of environments, with an estimated population of more than 5 million individuals worldwide. That makes them the most numerous raptor on the planet. You won't find black kites in the Americas, however. Their range covers much of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Black kites belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes hawks, eagles, harriers and other kites. They inhabit a variety of environments, from open countryside and wetlands to urban areas. In cities, they are often seen soaring above garbage dumps, marketplaces and riverbanks, scavenging for scraps and small prey. This opportunistic feeding strategy sets black kites apart from more specialized raptors that rely primarily on hunting live prey. Their diet is famously varied: carrion, small mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and even stolen food from other birds. They are known for their intelligence and nimbleness, often stealing food mid-air from other birds, a behavior called kleptoparasitism. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Raptor Research, black kites at a landfill in Rome relied heavily on kleptoparasitism to get their meals – stealing food in more than 75% of observed feeding attempts. Most thefts targeted gulls, which were abundant and easy to rob, though kites also stole from each other. Researchers found that this strategy became more common and effective as kite numbers grew, especially later in the breeding season. Unlike many raptors that are solitary or live in pairs, black kites are often highly social. They congregate in large groups, especially at roosting sites where thousands may gather to rest overnight. These communal roosts provide safety in numbers and opportunities for social learning. During migration, black kites form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These spectacles are a favorite among birdwatchers worldwide. Black kites share the hallmark raptor features that make birds of prey such efficient hunters. They have sharp, curved talons and hooked beaks designed for tearing flesh. Their eyesight is exceptionally keen, capable of spotting small prey or carrion from high in the air. Their long wings and forked tail give black kites exceptional maneuverability, allowing them to ride thermal currents for hours and conserve energy during long-distance travel. Thanks to their global abundance and wide distribution, they provide a valuable model for studying population structure and variation in migratory behavior across a broad geographic range. A black kite in flight. Some populations migrate thousands of kilometers between breeding and ... More wintering grounds, while others remain year-round residents. According to research published in Ethology Ecology & Evolution and the Journal of Avian Biology, their movement patterns vary across regions, with some Palearctic populations migrating long distances while others, particularly in India and Australia, remain year-round residents. GPS tracking has confirmed that individuals from northern Asia overwinter in South and Southeast Asia, while tropical populations tend to stay put. These regional differences are reflected in their genetics. DNA analyses show that populations from Europe, northern Asia, India, and Australia carry distinct haplogroups, suggesting historical separation and limited gene flow. A 2024 Zootaxa study found that Indian and Australian kites likely diverged at the end of the last Ice Age and no longer share haplotypes. Meanwhile, African populations, especially the yellow-billed kite, are genetically distinct enough that many researchers now consider them a separate species. Altogether, these findings point to a complex evolutionary history shaped by geography, climate shifts, and variable migration strategies. While many raptors face threats from habitat loss, pollution and persecution, the black kite has so far maintained stable populations across much of its range. Its ability to exploit human-altered landscapes has certainly helped. Their success story offers a striking contrast to the fate of many other raptors, which often decline in the face of urbanization. The black kite stands out as a reminder that adaptability is a powerful survival strategy. They may not be the rarest or most iconic raptor, but in terms of resilience, global reach, and sheer numbers, no other bird of prey comes close. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The Rarest Eagle In The World. Hint: It's Also The Tallest Of All Eagle Species
The bald eagle is arguably the world's most recognizable eagle. Steller's sea eagle is the heaviest ... More eagle. Here is the species that takes the title for 'world's rarest eagle.' There are approximately 60 species of eagles that exist in the world today. None of them count as particularly prolific species. The most common eagle is probably the bald eagle, with an estimated population of 300,000 individuals in North America. Australia's wedge-tailed eagle and the northern hemisphere's golden eagle are also among the more prolific eagle species, with estimated populations of 100,000 or more. These populations pale in comparison to other avian species, however. For context, the most common bird in the world is the chicken, with over 20 billion individuals alive today. Some of the most common wild birds are the house sparrow (approximately 1.6 billion individuals in existence), the red-billed quelea (~1.5 billion individuals) and the European starling (~1.3 billion individuals). The rarest eagle in the world is the Philippine eagle. It also happens to be the rarest among all birds of prey, which includes not just eagles but hawks, kites, harriers, owls, falcons and other carnivores of the sky. Here is the story of this most elusive bird of prey. The Elusive Philippine Eagle The critically endangered Philippine eagle – the world's rarest and tallest eagle. Also known as the 'haribon' or 'king of the birds,' the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is found only in the Philippines, with small, fragmented populations on four islands: Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. It lives in primary lowland and montane rainforest, a habitat that is shrinking rapidly. This eagle is enormous. Measuring over three feet tall, with a wingspan of around six and a half to seven feet, it is considered the tallest eagle in the world. It has long, powerful legs, huge talons, and a distinctive crest of shaggy feathers that gives it a somewhat lion-like appearance. The Philippine eagle is a fearsome aerial hunter, capable of taking prey as large as monkeys, snakes, and flying lemurs – hence one of its other monikers, the 'monkey-eating eagle.' The Philippine eagle is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated wild population of fewer than 250 breeding pairs. However, due to the challenges of studying Philippine eagles in the wild, population estimates are largely derived from models based on the species' biology and distribution, introducing some uncertainty in their true numbers. A June 2025 study published in the Journal of Raptor Research estimated the total population could be as low as 64 breeding pairs. Its rarity is almost entirely due to human activity. Logging, mining, agriculture and urban development have wiped out huge portions of the eagle's rainforest habitat. In addition to habitat loss, these birds face threats from hunting, electrocution from power lines and accidental trapping. Persecution by humans remains a major threat to the Philippine Eagle. Accounts dating back to the mid-20th century document widespread killing (for food, retaliation, or the illegal wildlife trade), with dozens of eagles reportedly shot or captured within just a few years on Mindanao and Luzon. In recent decades, conservation efforts have increasingly focused on captive breeding and the rehabilitation of injured wild eagles. However, released individuals often experience high mortality once they leave forested areas. Satellite tracking has revealed that many are either shot or trapped by local residents, a pattern documented in studies published in the Journal of Raptor Research and the Journal of Threatened Taxa. Juvenile eagles appear especially vulnerable, as they are more likely to wander into human-dominated landscapes where the risk of persecution is highest. This pattern of persecution, especially when combined with ongoing habitat loss, has likely contributed to low recruitment and remains a major obstacle to population recovery. Because the Philippine eagle pairs for life and typically raises only one chick every two years, its recovery is slow and vulnerable to disturbance. Every individual lost is a significant blow to the species. Declared the national bird of the Philippines in 1995, the Philippine eagle has become a powerful symbol of the country's natural heritage. Conservation programs led by the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao City have made important strides in captive breeding, education and habitat protection. Several eagles have even been successfully released into the wild, but sustaining a viable population long-term remains an uphill battle. A captive Philippine eagle gently "kisses" her caretaker at the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao ... More City, Mindanao. Despite challenges, biologists remain hopeful. With continued international support, stronger enforcement of environmental protections and expanded education efforts, there is still a chance to pull this magnificent raptor back from the edge of extinction. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- The Independent
Police investigate after red kite found fatally poisoned in Co Down
Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation after a red kite was found fatally poisoned in Co Down. A police spokesperson said tests have confirmed the legally protected bird, which was found dead near Loughbrickland, had been poisoned. It was discovered on land in the Tullymore Road area at the end of December, and has been found to have died by what police believe to have been targeted poisoning using the rodenticide Chloralose and the insecticide Bendiocarb. Red kites previously had vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago, and were re-introduced in 2008. Mr McDowell said red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order. He said this case is 'not the first time we have had reports of this nature in this same area'. 'Two ravens were also recently found dead having been poisoned using similar chemicals, and it saddens me that these incredible birds are being intentionally killed,' he said. Those found guilty of persecution of protected birds of prey can face a custodial sentence and/or fines of up to £5,000 per offence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) along with Northern Ireland Environment Agency has conducted a number of inquiries along with a site visit, and utilised the technical and advisory support of the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit throughout the time since the discovery of the red kite. Officers have also worked with colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to identify poisons being used. Mr McDowell added: 'Our Operation Raptor, Peregrine Watch, is an initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local police officers, which uses drones to monitor and protect the nesting sites of birds of prey, and is a direct result of birds being targeted, just like in this case, with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland. 'Along with our partners we will continue to investigate wildlife crime and seek to prevent further instances, whilst bringing offenders to justice.' A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said: 'The intentional poisoning wildlife and birds is abhorrent. 'Supplying, storing (being in possession of) or using a Plant Protection Product (PPP), that has been banned, is an offence. 'It is also an offence to use an authorised PPP in contravention of the conditions and the specific restrictions established by the authorisation and specified on the product label. 'If convicted of committing an offence, fines will incur.' Wildlife crime can be reported by calling 101, or a report can be made online via
BBC News
22-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
East of England's 'first osprey chicks in 250 years' hatch
Osprey chicks have hatched in the East of England for the first time in more than 250 years, according to a wildlife fish-eating birds of prey arrived at Ranworth Broad nature reserve near Wroxham in April and the first sighting of their chicks was on Norfolk Wildlife Trust described it as a "significant moment for wildlife conservation" in the visitor centre manager Teala Leeder said: "Getting my first glimpse of the chicks and confirming our greatest hope was just incredible." "It also gives visitors the chance to catch a glimpse of these impressive birds of prey and their young," she is the third consecutive year Ranworth Broad has hosted a pair of ospreys. Sightings of feeding and mating behaviour by the pair were reported by staff, which raised hopes this might be the year they would breed, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust typically lay two or three eggs, and the chicks will stay with their parents until they are ready to migrate in September, spending their winters in West Africa or Portugal. Ms Leeder said: "It's so wonderful to welcome our new arrivals and it also gives visitors the chance to catch a glimpse of these impressive birds of prey and their young."Staff have set up a telescope and wildlife camera in the visitor centre to give people good views of the osprey nest. The trust said there had been no recorded breeding osprey in the East of England for more than 250 became extinct as a breeding bird in Britain in the 1900s but a pair returned to Scotland in 1955. The trust's Broads south reserve manager Adam Houlgate said: "We are delighted to be the first site to welcome breeding osprey back to the East and are celebrating this significant moment for wildlife conservation in Norfolk."It's a fantastic feeling to know that we are taking care of a special landscape that makes a home for incredible birds like this." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
