Birds of Prey

“Birds of prey—powerful eagles, hawks, and owls—have very different lifestyles from Florida’s backyard songbirds. Also known as raptors, they are predator, hunting and feeding on smaller animals (called prey) such as insects, mice, rabbits , fish snakes, and even other birds. They often eat sick and weakened animals, sometimes even dead animals (called carrion) and they help to keep the population of rodents and insect pests in check.” The Young Naturalist’s Guide to Florida; page 102

Discussion Questions:

1. What physical characteristics do all birds of prey or raptors have in common?
2. Name five types of raptors that can be found in Florida.
3. What animal used to be considered a bird of prey but is no longer considered one by Ornithologists? Why is this bird no longer considered a raptor?
4. What is the difference between a diurnal animal and a nocturnal one?

Activities:

1. Go on a field trip to learn more about birds of prey.
2. Choose one raptor to study and include in your notebook.
3. Study the beaks and talons of raptors up close. Draw pictures for your notebook.
4. Print out worksheet and have students circle the raptor talons

Suggested Reading:
Peterson Field Guides for young naturalists: Birds of Prey by Jonathan P. Latimer/Karen Stray Nolting

Online Resources:
PDF on Raptors
Conserve Wildlife Raptor Page
Sea World’s Raptor Sheet
Raptor Related Words
Skulls Unlimited
IBC (The Internet Bird Collection)
Global Raptor information network

Field Trip Suggestions:

Tour the sanctuary and see several birds of prey on exhibit. Inquire about educational lectures featuring birds of prey.

Take a nature walk and explore the nature center. Book a group tour and attend the incredible “Raptor Chapter” lecture.

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Tour the Audubon Center for birds of prey or book a group tour and get an even more up close look at the amazing birds of prey currently housed at the center.