Birds of Prey

Within the food chain, an important place is occupied by birds of prey since they are responsible for eating away the lesser animals like rats, small birds, and insects. Widely, the term birds of prey, is denoted for such predatory birds that fly with large wings and have excellent vision.

To aid in their hunt for the lower invertebrate prey, they have sharp eye sight and have sharp beaks for tearing flesh and eating. The wings are big in proportion to the body in most of them, which allows them to literally plunge over their food.

A common visual of hovering vultures over a carcass is a sign of the predatory habit but also evokes a fear among the people who get to see such a sight. The feet are muscular and curved to get a grip on small objects and also for holding the prey. Whenever there is a requirement of a show of power or agility, people think of eagles or hawks, which are definative birds of prey.

With forestry lands in many countries being cut down due to urbanization, the usual environment of the birds is being destroyed, also making them prone to be hunted by man. In several countries like the United States and United kingdom, particular regulations have been formulated to prevent the slaughter of these birds which are also identified as raptors, which basically means snatching and devouring. There are examples where eagle's are kept as pets however they also gain high prices in the illicit market for their body parts.

The environment is currently being depleted of such birds due to increased killing. The majority of the birds that are included in this group are terror evoking and the well known ones are eagles, hawks, vultures, kites, caracaras, falcons, as well as the owl. Since old times these birds of prey have been associated with dark and evil things and have amazed the ornithologists due to their habit of eating flesh. Studies on their behavior have yielded a lot of info, unfortunately one of which concludes that their numbers are declining towards serious concerns.

Many national parks and zoos have one or two species of these birds of prey and they definitely add to the wonders of the animal kingdom. For the bird enthusiasts and visitors, the birds of prey have always been a desirable thing to watch and take in the elegant creatures in flight and whilst hunting. Birds of prey display teams are an excellent way to get close up and personal with the birds. Various governments have made rules in support of these birds, but traders interested in poaching these animals always seem to circumvent the arms of the law.