Challenges to Birds of Prey

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

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

A familiar sight of hovering vultures over a carcass is a symbol of the predatory habit but also evokes a fear amongst the people who get to watch such a site. Their feet are strong and curved to get a good grip on small objects and also for holding their prey. When there is a requirement of a show of strength or agility, people think of hawks or eagles, which are definative birds of prey.

With forest lands in a lot of countries being cut down due to urbanization, the natural environment of the birds is being destroyed, also making them prone to be hunted by man. In several countries like USA and United kingdom, particular regulations have been developed to prevent the killing of these birds which are also known as raptors, which basically means snatching and devouring. There are situations where eagle's have been kept as pets but they also gain high prices in the illegal market for their body parts.

The ecology is currently being depleted of these 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. Ever since olden times these birds of prey have been associated with dark and evil things and have fascinated the ornithologists due to their practice of eating flesh. Studies on their behavior have yielded lots of info, unfortunately one of which concludes that their numbers are dwindling towards grave concerns.

Many zoos and national parks have one or two species of these birds of prey and they definitely add to the wonders of the animal kingdom. For bird enthusiasts and patrons, the birds of prey have always been a fascinating thing to watch and take in the elegant animals in flight and whilst searching for food. Birds of prey display teams are a great means to get close up and personal with the birds. Various governments have made regulations in support of these animals, but people interested in poaching these birds always seem to circumvent the arms of the law.