Latest news with #raptors
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
29-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Meet The Biggest Falcon In The World. Hint: It Lives On 3 Different Continents But Never Goes South Of The Equator
Falcons are a class of birds best known for their speed, vision and hunting prowess. Here's the ... More story of perhaps the most impressive falcon of all. There are over 35 recognized species of falcons, all thrilling in their own right. The one that stands out above the rest, at least in terms of size, is the gyrfalcon. The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a majestic bird native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe and Asia. Its wingspan reaches up to 60+ inches. Females, which are the bigger of the sexes, can weigh over four and a half pounds. Gyrfalcons are highly variable in color, ranging from almost pure white to dark slate-gray or black, with paler birds more common in Greenland and darker morphs more typical of Eurasia. Gyrfalcons specialize in hunting other birds like ptarmigan and ducks. They use speed and pursuit tactics more than surprise swoops. Revered throughout history – especially in medieval falconry, where they were reserved for use by kings and noblemen – the gyrfalcon is a symbol of strength, beauty and class. Here are three ways the gryfalcon has made, and continues to make, its mark on history and the ecological landscape. 1. A Living Legend Of Falconry A falconer with a gyrfalcon, the world's largest falcon and a species historically reserved for ... More kings and nobility. Few birds carry the cultural weight of the gyrfalcon. During the Middle Ages, these rare Arctic raptors were considered the ultimate status symbol among European and Middle Eastern nobility. Kings of Norway and Denmark offered gyrfalcons as tribute or diplomatic gifts to other monarchs. For example, here's how the gyrfalcon is described by scientists William Burnham and William Mattox in a 1984 study: 'For over 900 years, from the period of Viking supremacy in Europe, the great 'White Falcon' of Greenland has been sought after and admired. The white Greenland falcon or gyrfalcon became known as the King's Ransom or Emperor's bird in falconry, with inestimable value placed on it.' The birds were so highly prized that entire economies in Greenland and Iceland were once shaped by the capture and trade of gyrfalcons for royal falconry. Because of their limited range and difficult capture, owning a gyrfalcon was more than just a sport. It was a demonstration of immense wealth and international influence. Even today, falconers in the Middle East still regard the gyrfalcon as the most prestigious bird, often breeding them selectively for sport and tradition. 2. A Hunter Built For The Arctic A gyrfalcon grips a freshly caught duck, highlighting its strength and skill as a high-speed Arctic ... More hunter. The gyrfalcon's physiology is perfectly adapted for life in the cold, wide-open spaces of the far north. Unlike many other raptors that rely on sudden ambush attacks, the gyrfalcon excels at long chases across tundra and icy terrain, often locking onto prey and keeping pursuit until the target is exhausted. Its powerful wings are shorter and broader compared to other falcons, giving it power and maneuverability at lower altitudes. They've also been recorded reaching dive speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. This allows it to take down surprisingly large prey, like the Rock Ptarmigan, which can weigh nearly half the falcon's own body weight. In regions where food is scarce, gyrfalcons have even been known to cache prey, hiding kills under snow or rocks to eat later. Their presence at the top of the Arctic food web makes them important ecological indicators: healthy gyrfalcon populations often reflect a well-balanced ecosystem. While gyrfalcons are often seen as land-based hunters, satellite tracking has revealed that their foraging behavior during the non-breeding season can be far more dynamic and wide-ranging than previously assumed. Some individuals spend weeks at sea during winter, resting on icebergs and preying on seabirds along the ice edge – an astonishing adaptation for a bird historically associated with tundra and cliffs. One juvenile female was recorded spending over 40 consecutive days over open ocean, far from land. These findings highlight the gyrfalcon's versatility as a predator and its reliance on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems to survive the harsh Arctic year-round. 3. Modern Conservation And A Shifting Climate Gyrfalcon populations face growing pressure from climate change, habitat loss, and shifting prey ... More availability across the Arctic. Despite their remote habitat, gyrfalcons are not immune to the pressures of a changing world. Though not currently endangered, their Arctic homes are warming rapidly due to climate change, which threatens both their hunting grounds and their preferred prey. Changes in snow cover, vegetation, and prey populations – particularly ptarmigan – can ripple through the food chain and affect gyrfalcon breeding success. Additionally, as human activity expands into the north, disturbances to traditional nesting cliffs and foraging areas are becoming more frequent. Conservationists now rely on satellite tracking, helicopter surveys, and remote cameras to monitor gyrfalcon populations, migration routes and breeding success with unprecedented detail. These efforts aim to ensure that this apex arctic predator remains a thriving part of northern ecosystems. 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.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why turkey vultures are summer's super-intelligent superheroes: Nature News
With summer just around the corner, I would like to highlight one of my favorite birds — the turkey vulture. For me, they conjure up hot summer days as I watch them ride and circle in the updrafts. When I was young, they were a summer bird, where I lived in New York, migrating south in the winter. I have an old Peterson's Field Guide from 1961 (my birth year!) which has them breeding only as far north as western Connecticut and New York. They never made it this far north and were only first documented breeding in Maine as recently as the 1970s. These days, they are common all summer, and if the weather is mild enough, they hang around all winter. But even so, I will always think of them as a bird of summer. They can't circle up to those awesome heights without summer's heat. The Center for Wildlife gave a raptor program at Great Works Land Trust's BonAire Celebration at Beach Plum Farm in Ogunquit this past weekend. The first bird that Quinn (the CFW Nature Center lead) brought out was a vulture named Violet. Seeing her up close was such a treat and what we learned reminded me of just what superheroes these birds are. Super intelligent (at least compared to wise old owls whose eyes are actually bigger than their brains), vulture intelligence is thought to be at least on par with our smartest dogs. They also have both super-powered vision (can see things a mile away) and sense of smell. Unlike their cousin, the black vulture, who relies more on sight, the turkey vulture has olfactory organs that are unusually well-developed for a bird. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the turkey vulture has larger nares (bird nostrils), olfactory chambers, and olfactory bulbs than most other vultures. We often put cayenne in our bird food to discourage squirrels — this works because our bird feeder birds have such a poor sense of smell. I wonder what a turkey vulture would do with a cayenne-laced carcass? Turkey vultures usually don't kill their prey and are instead attracted to carrion. Hot days are great for this kind of hunting because the heat volatilizes all those great odors of rotting flesh and carries them skyward. Interestingly, they are also attracted to mushrooms and flowers with carrion-like fragrances. The actual chemicals they are using as cues haven't been fully identified, but one study had a positive result for a chemical called ethyl mercaptan. Natural gas companies subsequently took advantage of this finding and introduced ethyl mercaptan into their pipelines using turkey vulture circling behavior to identify leaks! One of the turkey vultures' other superpowers involves their digestive capabilities. Turkey vultures are named after the wild turkey because of their bare, red-colored head. The bare head helps them stay clean while diving headfirst into a rotting carcass. Their scientific name is Cathartes aura, meaning 'golden purifier' or 'golden breeze.' The 'purifier' part of this refers to their role as a scavenger — part of nature's clean-up crew. Recent studies have brought an even deeper meaning to this name. A turkey vulture's stomach acid is extremely acidic, with a pH close to zero, allowing them to eat carcasses infected with diseases like anthrax or rabies without contracting the disease. This is great for us and other local wildlife. If they didn't eat that infected carrion, some other animal might become infected and spread the disease. Quinn cited one study that found a strong positive correlation between increasing turkey vulture populations and a decrease in rabies! These are just some reasons to welcome turkey vultures into our skies this summer. Turkey vultures have a very characteristic teetering glide, holding their wings in a v-shape (think 'V' for vulture) that distinguishes them from other large raptors. Watch for them riding the updrafts as summer quickly approaches. Susan Pike, a researcher and an environmental sciences and biology teacher at Dover High School, welcomes your ideas for future column topics. Send your photos and observations to spike3116@ Read more of her Nature News columns online at and and follow her on Instagram @pikeshikes. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Why turkey vultures are summer's unsung superheroes: Nature News
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Like a Tom Cruise stunt: hawk uses traffic patterns to target prey
It is a tactic worthy of Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt: wait until a beeping pedestrian crossing indicates a traffic queue has formed then use the line of cars as cover to reach your target. But this isn't a scene from Mission: Impossible – it's the behaviour of a young hawk. The discovery is not the first time birds have been found to make use of an urban environment. Crows, for example, are known to drop foods such as walnuts on to roads for cars to crush them open. However, the researcher behind a new study says it is the most advanced case so far of raptors making use of traffic patterns. 'When I figured out what was going on, I was really impressed. I didn't expect that,' said Vladimir Dinets, a zoologist at the University of Tennessee and author of the study. 'On the other hand, every time I study some animal species it proves smarter than I expect.' Dinets made the discovery during the school run in West Orange, New Jersey, when he spotted a young Cooper's hawk emerge from a tree near a road junction. The bird flew close to the pavement behind a queue of traffic that had stopped at a red light before crossing the road and taking a dive near one of the houses. After seeing the behaviour for a second time, Dinets realised the hawk was pouncing on a flock of birds that had gathered in front of a house where a family often ate dinner outdoors. Writing in the journal Frontiers in Ethology, Dinets describes how he then carried out 12 hours of observations from his car over 18 days during the winter of 2021-22. These were made on weekday mornings and only when the flock was present and there was no rain or snow the day before – weather that would prevent the residents of the house from eating alfresco. Dinets recorded six attempted attacks by the same hawk, identifiable by its plumage, and on one occasion saw it fly away with a house sparrow in its grip. He found the hawk only emerged from the tree when a long queue of traffic had built up, offering sufficient cover for its approach – something that depended on the pedestrian crossing being activated. Dinets also noticed the bird took up its position in the tree when the crossing's sound signal began, suggesting the hawk used the sound as an indication that a longer traffic queue was to form and that it was time to prepare for attack. 'This behaviour required having a mental map of the area and understanding the connection between the sound signals and the change in traffic pattern – a remarkable intellectual feat for a young bird that likely had just moved into the city,' Dinets writes, noting Cooper's hawks tend to be winter visitors to urban areas. Related: California town investigates mystery of 'exploding' bird deaths The following winter he twice saw an adult hawk, possibly the same bird, hunting in the same way. But the following summer the sound signals stopped working and the residents that ate alfresco moved out of their house. 'No hawks were ever observed at the intersection after that,' he wrote. Dinets added that while it is known social birds such as crows and parrots can be very clever, intelligence in more solitary species is more difficult for humans to recognise and so probably underestimated. 'Cities are extremely dangerous places for wild animals,' he added. 'Anything that can survive here must have some special abilities and deserves our respect.'
Forbes
18-05-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Meet The Amazonian Bird Of Prey That Can, And Does, Attack Humans
Very few birds in the world have been known to attack humans. One rare example is the Australian magpie, a bird that has been known to swoop down and peck at people, sometimes delivering serious injuries. But the idea that birds of prey — hawks, eagles and other raptors — have ever looked towards humans as a credible food source is more the stuff of mythology than reality. Until now. A new study published in Ecology and Evolution reports a scientifically documented case of a Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) attacking an adult human in the Amazon rainforest. This represents the first such instance on record, challenging long-standing assumptions about human-raptor interactions in the Neotropics. The incident occurred in the interior of French Guiana, where a 29-year-old woman was attacked by a Harpy Eagle while walking with a tourist group near a remote ecotourism camp. The eagle, perched roughly six meters above the trail, had been observed by guides in the area in the days leading up to the incident. Although it initially showed no signs of distress, the raptor suddenly launched a targeted attack as the woman lingered behind the group, seemingly fixated on her movement. The eagle struck her scalp with its powerful talons, causing several puncture wounds that required medical attention. The woman's companion managed to intervene, forcing the eagle to release its grip, after which the bird flew away. Though she recovered without lasting injuries, the event shocked both researchers and conservationists. Harpy Eagles, among the world's largest and most powerful raptors, are capable of preying on large arboreal mammals such as sloths and monkeys. Females can weigh up to 20 pounds and have been observed carrying prey of comparable size. However, such predation typically occurs high in the forest canopy. Direct attacks on humans in the wild have remained, until now, anecdotal and largely unverified. (Sidebar: Māori legends speak of a monstrous bird capable of killing humans and carrying them away. Scientists now believe these stories may be rooted in real encounters — learn more here.) What makes this case especially noteworthy is the context: there were no clear signs of nest defense, no evidence that the bird had been previously imprinted on humans, and no nearby eaglets to protect. While a predatory motive cannot be definitively proven, the absence of other typical triggers suggests this was not a defensive act. It raises the possibility that large raptors may opportunistically view smaller humans as potential prey under certain conditions, especially if isolation or vulnerability is perceived. These findings provoke a deeper consideration of how large raptors may have historically influenced primate behavior and evolution. The role of predation in shaping sociality among primates is well established, and this incident reinforces the theory that group living offers significant protection against aerial predators. Had the woman been entirely alone, the consequences might have been far more severe. Furthermore, parallels can be drawn between this modern case and prehistoric examples like the Taung Child — a juvenile hominin from Africa believed to have been killed by an eagle. That evidence, along with the documented predation capabilities of extinct raptors such as Haast's Eagle of New Zealand or the Cuban Ornimegalonyx, suggests that birds of prey likely exerted selective pressures on early human ancestors. Despite their rarity, such attacks warrant scientific attention — not to provoke fear or demonize these majestic creatures, but to better understand the dynamics between humans and apex avian predators. As ecosystems become more fragmented and human-wildlife interactions more frequent, nuanced understanding of these behaviors is all the more important. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
