Birds of Our Lives Module #5

why crow hawking is difficult

1) Crows are large prey and can gang up and injure a raptor 2) Crows are always in a group, and there is always a spotter crow that will sound the alarm when the raptor is spotted 3) Crows are smart and live in family groups, meaning they will mob a raptor and kill it if left alone for too long

Three levels of a falconer

Apprentice, General Falconer, and Master Falconer

Are eagles and hawks the same?

Eagles are the largest of the hawks

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: merlin

Generally 1/3 heavier than the kestrel Excellent at maneuvering in flight since they primarily hunt perching birds. They have a brown coloration and both sexes have a faint mustache mark on their face.

the importance of vultures in the ecosystem and preventing disease

Play a vital rile in the ecosystem by cleaning up rotting flesh and preventing the spread of animal diseases.

What two species are extinct?

The Guadalupe Caracara and the Reunion Kestrel

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: gyrfalcon

The largest falcon in the world. Ranges in color from dark grey or black to pure white. They typically prey on large birds such as duck, goose, and other songbirds. Were highly regarded in the medieval times and only a kind could hunt with one.

crow hawking

using a raptor to hunt crow

game hawking

using a raptor, specifically large falcons, to hunt game birds such as pheasants, quail, pigeons, or ducks

stages of training a raptor for falconry

1: First feeding and manning the bird 2: Flying to the fist or creance training 3: Lure training 4: Entering

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: American kestrel

AKA- "Sparrow Hawk" Smallest of the North American falcons Males and females have pairs of black vertical stripes on the sides of their faces called a "mustache" and a "sideburn." Very good at hovering in a head wind, and are often used for hunting game birds.

training an eyess vs a passager for falconry

Allowing a eyess to eat its first kill is very important to drive home the success of a hunt and to instill confidence. This can be done with older birds but is not as necessary.

reverse sexual dimorphism

Females are a lot bigger than males

What are two serious threats to raptor populations?

Hunting and habitat fragmentation

the importance of the falcon/hawk's body weight in falconry

If the bird is too light due to prolonged underfeeding, there may be a loss of endurance and performance. If the bird is overfed and heavy, there is no interest in the hunt.

the Asian vulture crisis

In Asia, as vulture numbers declined due to diclofenac, feral cat and dog and rat populations increased, leading to a rabies outbreak that later became a human health concern.

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: red-tailed hawk

Most adults have brick-red talk with brown bodies, often with streaked breasts. One of the more easily trained and tamale birds. They form strong bonds with the trainer and they are so long lived that they can be hard to become free of. If released they will often times return "home."

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: golden eagle

Only eagle allowed for use in the US, and you must be a Master Falconer to qualify. They can be trained to hunt prey such a deer, antelope, or coyote.

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: peregrine falcon

Peregrine is superior to other falcons in its ability to "wait on," where the falcon flies high above the falconer and waits for prey to be flushed from below. They tend to be easy to train and have reliable temperaments.

What primary sense do other vultures use to find food?

Sight

Why is reverse sexual dimorphism important for the survival of the young?

Since the female is larger, she will prey on larger food than the male, reducing competition, and allowing for a more diverse food supply for the young.

What primary sense do turkey vultures use to find food?

Smell

basic physical characteristics and/or hunting techniques of: harris hawk

Their thighs and shoulders are chestnut red with legend bare face skin yellow. Hunt cooperatively in the wild and are most successful when hated in pairs or trios, with groups of five hawks being the most successful. Can hunt mammals or birds, but females tend to be better rabbit hunters while males are better bird hunters.

Major causes of death for raptors?

Young: starvation Older: accidents (car collisions and power lines)

How many species are threatened?

about 17%

diclofenac

an anti-inflammatory drug given to cattle, a main source of food for local vultures. Birds eating this meat would get sick and die of renal failure.

supraorbital ridge

boney protuberance over the eye that both protects the eye when in flight and acts as sun shades when the bird is flying to keep glare from interfering with hunting.

sources of raptors for falconry

capturing from the wild or captive breeding

new world vultures not related to old world vultures

convergent evolution

flying from the fist

driving up close to prey in a vehicle, rolling the window down, and letting the raptor go.

What do we call raptor nests?

eyries

elaborate reproductive displays

high flying undulation, fire eights, talon presentations, and ariel food exchanges

functions of the lure

it is swung around in the air to train the bird, condition the bird and increase its endurance, and can also be used to recover the bird from the hunt.

double clutching

many raptors have more than one brood per season

haggard

mature adult with complete adult plumage captured from the wild

powerful feet with talons

most common way of killing/crushing prey

requirements for becoming a falconer

must be 12-14 years of age, be patient, enjoy working with animals and hunting.working outdoors, be able to dedicate the time to tend to the bird;s needs, and be willing to dedicate yourself to the sport

eyess

nestling removed from the nest and raised in captivity

What specific conditions are needed for reactor nests?

old growth forests are needed, and they are rare (most forests are new and younger)

How many species?

over 300 species

falconry equipment

perches, hoods, bells, jesse, bewit, lure, leash, scales

imprinting

possibility of captive chicks imprinting on humans and not being able to be taught how to hunt for themselves (then they cannot be released into the wild as adults)

siblicide

raptor chicks are altricial at hatching and an asynchronous hatch leads to a chick hierarchy, with the early-hatching chicks being larger. This can lead to siblicide, the killing of other hatchlings.

hunting techniques

scavenging, surprise or ambush technique, sitting and waiting for prey to come by, stoop or dive rapidly to kill on the ground, opportunistic and will take advantage of easy prey

killing methods

snapping necks, crushing diaphragms, internal bleeding, dismembering

define falconry

the act of training raptors to hunt small game, game birds, or waterfowl in partnership with man

Female reproductive anatomy of raptors?

they have both ovaries functioning as opposed to just the left one

raptor diversity in body size and prey consumed

they range dramatically from the California Condor (10 ft wing span and weighing about 20#) to the Sharp-shinned Hawk (20 inch wing span and weights 3-7 ounces).

world-wide distribution of raptors

throughout the world with the exception of Antartica and a few isolated oceanic islands

Procedures for becoming a falconer

to become an apprentice, one must have a sponsor (General or Master Falconer) agree to training. This signature allows the future apprentice to apply through the state to take the falconer exam. Once the exam is passed, the facilities and equipment to be used must be approved a sperate hunting license is also needed

mandibular notch

used for snapping spines

mantling

when birds spread their wings and tails over their kill to hide it from other, larger birds of prey

passager

yearlings caught during their first fall migration