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Raptors are birds of prey, which means they are predators that hunt and eat other animals. Hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls are all raptors. Discover the amazing facts about these magnificent creatures on these pages.
Raptors have three key adaptations making them excellent hunters.
Number of different kinds of raptors that can be found worldwide: Speed a peregrine falcon can reach when diving after prey: more than mph! The smallest raptor, the American Kestrel, is about the size of a robin and weighs about oz. The largest raptor is the Harpy Eagle, which nests in tall rainforest trees of Mexico, Central, and South America. It has a wingspan of over feet. Use the code to find out some amazing raptor facts!
Raptors have keen eyesight that helps them spot their prey from great distances. The Australian wedge-tailed eagle can spot a rabbit from about one mile (1.5 km) away. This is about three times farther than a human can see. Raptors can also see more colors than people, which helps them see camouflaged prey.
They have a sharp, hooked beak for tearing their food into bite-size pieces.
Standards Link: Life Science: Students know that adaptations in physical structure may improve an organism’s chance for survival. The sharp, powerful talons or claws of raptors are used to catch and kill prey.
Read about these three raptors. Then do the math to match each one to its silhouette.
Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. About 7 feet (2.1 m)
Habitat: Wingspan: Diet:
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Usually small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels. Golden eagles have been seen attacking and killing pronghorn antelope, which are several times bigger than they are.
Found on every continent except Antarctica. 3.5 feet (1 m) Mainly hunts birds and can typically catch their prey in the air.
Southeastern United States 4 feet (1.3 m) Slow-moving prey such as snakes, insects, baby birds, and rodents.
Habitat: Wingspan: Diet:
Habitat: Wingspan: Diet:
Standards Link: Life Science: Students know different animals inhabit different kinds of environments.
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© Vicki Whiting August 2024
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