What are raptors?  top

Raptors are a type of bird that preys on other animals. Distinguishing characteristics include a hooked beak and sharp talons. Unlike other types of birds that also prey on animals, robins and pelicans for instance, raptors use their feet to catch their food. Robins and pelicans use their beaks to catch worms and fish. Hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls are examples of raptors. What do raptors at Carolina Raptor Center do?  top

Some birds are 'trained' to sit on the glove. Birds that can do this are considered 'manned.' 'Manning' a bird is a long process done by a single individual working with a single bird. Once a bird accepts the equipment it must wear and accepts the person who has been 'training' it, the bird must then learn to accept other people handling it. Then it must learn to accept having a group of people around it, looking at it, talking about it, etc. These are just the first steps in becoming a Carolina Raptor Center traveling education bird. Before the bird can travel and visits schools and exhibits, it must also learn to accept large crowds of people and riding in the van.

When visitors see Carolina Raptor Center traveling education birds on-site or on the road, they see birds transported on a glove from the van to a perch, where they will stay until it is time to leave. These raptor ambassadors help Carolina Raptor Center volunteers and staff teach the public about the importance of raptors in our environment, and how to protect these birds from harm. The birds also provide people an unusual chance to see, up-close, how beautiful these creatures really are. Will the birds I saw at Carolina Raptor Center get better and be released?  top

All the birds on exhibit to visitors or used in educational programs are non-releasable. These birds have either permanent physical injuries or they are imprinted on humans. Either problem prevents them from surviving in the wild. Can I touch the birds?  top

For safety reasons visitors are not allowed to touch live birds. It would create undue stress on the birds if they were touched by many people. Remember that these birds are wild, not tame like a domesticated animal. Serious injuries could result to anyone attempting to touch a bird of prey. We ourselves do not touch the birds routinely, mainly because of the above-mentioned reasons and because the birds do not appreciate it. Can I photograph the birds?  top

Yes. The birds exhibited in aviaries and in the weathering area are used to foot traffic and human voices, as long as their "personal space" is not invaded. Flashes will normally not bother them. Why are the birds in the aviaries so still? Don't they move?  top

It is natural for these birds to stay perched in the wild unless they have something else they need to do. So, unless a bird needs to hunt, eat, build a nest, find a mate, or teach young to fly, the bird will stay perched and still to conserve energy. Also, the less an animal moves, the less likely it will be seen. So, as a predator, raptors practice stealth using limited movement and silence to 'sneak up on' their prey. I visited and saw a display case with talons. Why were the feet removed?  top

We use birds' feet as educational props both in our visitors' center and in our traveling Wild Wings programs. We want visitors to see close up some of the extraordinary adaptations raptors possess. But for safety reasons, we cannot let visitors touch live birds. Instead, we use parts from birds that have died while under our care. We save the wings, feet, skull, or in some cases the whole body for educational uses. How many species of raptors are there in North America and in North Carolina?  top

A definite "count" for each region is difficult because different reference books give different answers. About twenty species of birds of prey are found in North Carolina, some commonly, some only as rare visitors. Approximately fifty species of birds of prey occur in North America. What are the largest and smallest raptors found in the United States?  top

The largest raptor, by wingspan and weight, native to the United States is the California condor. Its wingspan reaches 9 feet and weight ranges from 9 to 10 kg (20-23 lbs). The smallest raptor native to the United States is the elf owl, found in southwestern states. It weighs just 40-50 grams, or about 1.5 ounces. Which is the fastest raptor?  top

The fastest bird of prey is by most accounts the peregrine falcon. During a stoop, or dive, it is said to obtain speeds around 200 miles per hour. Golden eagles in a stoop have also been clocked at very high speeds, possibly rivaling those of the peregrine falcon. Do raptors mate for life?  top

Yes, most raptors apparently do mate for life. Do raptors migrate?  top

Many hawk species migrate south for the winter months. This includes such species as the broad-winged hawk, Cooper's hawk, and osprey. These birds spend several months in the southern U.S., Mexico, or even South America. Migratory routes for raptors in North Carolina are along the Appalachian Mountains and along coastal areas. One of the best places to see hawks migrating in the fall is Mahagony Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway How good is raptors' eyesight?  top

Birds of prey in general have excellent eyesight, but different species are adapted for different life styles. Some owl species have very large eyes with many light-sensitive cells. These birds can take advantage of low light level conditions and surprise their prey, but they cannot see in complete darkness. Hawks, falcons and eagles, on the other hand, have eyes adapted to observe prey that is moving, even at a great distance. Many raptors have binocular vision similar to humans. The eyes are positioned such that their respective visual fields overlap to some extent. It is a common myth that owls cannot see during daylight. In fact, owls are not blinded by daylight and can see perfectly well. How well do owls hear?  top

Most owls have excellent hearing. One reason is a face shaped like two large funnels, called a facial disk. These two funnels, made of stiff feathers, literally direct sound into the ears. The ear openings are located slightly asymmetrical, one above the other, on each side of the face. Researchers working with barn owls have determined that this particular species can successfully catch live prey in total darkness, using their extraordinary sense of hearing. How much gripping power do they have?  top

Raptors depend on their feet for survival. They have to be able to grasp prey, perch, and scratch and preen themselves. At Carolina Raptor Center, great horned owls and eagles are the birds with the strongest grip, easily rivaling the strength of four adult human men. What kind of nest do raptors build and do they use the same nest year after year?  top

They do reuse the same nest if the area is still suitable. Some raptors, like bald eagles, add on to their nest each year. The results can be very large stick nests, weighing hundreds of pounds. Some owls, such as the eastern screech owl and barred owl, nest in cavities. Some species do not construct nests of their own, but rather take over old nests from other species. How long do raptors live?  top

Longevity depends on the species and size of the bird. As a general estimate, small raptors like the eastern screech owl are easy prey due to their size. Therefore, if the screech owl survives its first two years it could live up to an average of 8 years. A raptor such as the red-tailed hawk that survives its first years could live an average life of between 10 and 15 years. Eagles, the largest of all raptors in the Carolinas, if they survive their juvenile years have an average life expectancy of 20 to 30 years! Here at Carolina Raptor Center, in captivity, raptors can live even longer if they are well cared for. What is the home range for raptors?  top

Most birds have home territories during the summer. These are the ranges that they nest and hunt in. Some ranges overlap with the home ranges of other raptors of the same species or of other species. The size of the home range depends mainly on food supply and shelter. Here are some ranges, according to Axia Wildlife "Know Your Birds of Prey" and "Know Your Owls" CD-ROMs:

Hawks	Acres	Sq. Miles
sharp-shinned hawk	26-324	0.04-0.5
Cooper's hawk	988-4,444	1.5-6.8
red-shouldered hawk	268-837	0.4-1.3
red-tailed hawk	292-1,150	0.5-1.8
Harris's hawk	524-1,245	0.8-1.9
Eagles	Acres	Sq. Miles
bald eagles	790-3,600	1.2-5.5
golden eagle	3,000-41,000	4.5-63
Owls	Acres	Sq. Miles
northern saw-whet owl	200-370	0.3-0.6
eastern screech owl	75-200	0.1-0.3
barred owl	500-700	0.8-1.1
barn owl	590-790	0.9-1.2
great horned owl	590-790	0.9-1.2
long-eared owl	100-200	0.15-0.3
short-eared owl	35-500	0.05-0.8
Falcons	Acres	Sq. Miles
American kestrel	270-320	0.4-0.5
merlin	720-5,830	1.1-8.9
peregrine falcon	13,100-32,750	20-50

What is the highest altitude recorded for a raptor?  top

Raptors have been observed from and struck by airplanes at over 30,000 ft. Where can you find the highest concentration of migrating raptors?  top

The Mexican town of Veracruz is the site of the "River of Raptors". Literally millions of birds of prey stream past observers every fall season. There is a baby owl on the ground in my yard. What do I do?  top

Baby owls frequently leave the nest before they can fly. In many cases they end up on the ground. That does not automatically mean anything is wrong. In many cases these birds are able to climb up into nearby trees. Determine if the parent birds are still in the area. The adults will continue to feed and protect young birds even if they are on the ground. The adults cannot bring the babies back up to the nest. Observe the young bird from a distance. Are there flies on the bird? Is it able to climb and hop? Caution - parent birds will defend their young against people and may swoop down if they feel their babies are being threatened. Are there cats and dogs roaming the area? They pose a significant threat to young birds on the ground. If I touch the baby, won't the parents abandon it?  top

No. Most birds have a very poor sense of smell. However, other predators like snakes can follow your scent trail to a nest. Will a raptor attack my dog or cat?  top

Raptors are wild animals and need to hunt their own food in order to survive. Even though they are predators, typically they will not hunt something that is larger than they are. They target what is most abundant and easiest to catch. Most raptors can carry only two thirds of their body weight. The average red-tailed hawk or great horned owl only weighs 2-3 pounds. However, there are isolated instances when a raptor cannot find enough food within its territory or is a young inexperienced hunter. In these cases, it would not be unheard of for a larger raptor like a red-tailed hawk or great horned owl to turn to small, domestic animals if the opportunity arises. However, cats and dogs will bite and claw to defend themselves, and are therefore more difficult to safely catch. Most raptors after the first attempt will leave them alone, making attacks uncommon. How can I keep hawks from attacking birds at my bird feeders?  top

Raptors are very good at finding areas that make it easier for them to hunt their prey. Songbirds are part of the food chain just like other animals and their predators are going to look for the easiest targets. The birds that hawks are usually able to catch at feeders are the slow and sick ones. The strong and healthy ones escape, allowing their survival to produce more healthy babies. Since laws protect raptors, people cannot do anything to harm them and therefore have no way of preventing their hunt. Placing feeders near shrubbery allows songbirds to get to safety faster if a hawk attacks, but also gives cats a place to hide to prey on the birds. Cats kill a lot more birds then hawks do because hawks only kill for food, where cats kill for the sport of it and they are not native predators. Therefore it is better for songbirds to leave feeders in the open. Bird feeders are an excellent way to attract wildlife to your backyard, but be prepared for their predators to follow them! How can I attract raptors to my yard?  top

Check the National Wildlife Federation website about their Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification Program. Here are some of their suggestions:

• »Don't use pesticides. Instead, try to find natural alternatives.
• »Plant your yard for wildlife such as butterflies and songbirds. Natural areas are much more attractive to wildlife than meticulously kept green lawns and raptors will only set up residence if there is sufficient food source. Remember that raptors are just one part of an extensive food web.
• »Keep cats indoors - cats kill millions of songbirds and small mammals each year and therefore compete with native wildlife for prey. Visit Cats Indoors! for more information.
• »Save large old trees and do not remove dead trees unless they can cause property damage or are a hazard to your family - they provide valuable habitat and nest sites.
• »Install nest boxes for songbirds and cavity-nesting raptors.
• »Keep brush piles to provide cover and food sources for songbirds and other prey for raptors.
• »Provide water source for wildlife - songbirds, mammals, and raptors. Install birdbaths and small ponds, maintain small creeks on the property.
• »Talk to your neighbors or the homeowners association about adopting similar measures on their property. The larger the area attractive to wildlife, the more diverse the wildlife population will become.
• »If you are building or purchasing a home or lot, ask builders/developers to keep as much of the natural vegetation as possible during construction. You, the consumer, can put pressure on developers to change their building habits. If you have to clear lots or perform heavy pruning, do it during the winter months, outside the nesting season. This will save many babies' lives.
• »Cap your chimney to keep "critters" out and safe.
• »"Bird-proof" your windows - window strikes occur more often than you think. They can be prevented by reducing the reflections of trees, by installing silhouettes of raptors, may be some strategic plantings near large windows.

I know protecting the environment is critical to preserving wildlife. How can I help?  top

Here are a few suggestions about what you can do to help:

• »Set an example with your property
• »As a consumer, express your views in a constructive way
• »Potential homeowners - talk to developers, to let them know you don't want a clear-cut plot of land
• »Current home owners - talk to your neighbors and homeowners' association, get involved with local planning and zoning decisions
• »Support local & regional organizations that are involved in the issue, either through volunteering or donating money/supplies
• »In your will, deed appropriate property to conservation organizations for long-term protection

Where can I find sources for nest boxes?  top

Resources for nest boxes include:

• »Local birding and home improvement stores
• »Bird Watcher's Digest - www.birdwatchersdigest.com (vendors listed in back)
• »Acorn Naturalists - 1-800-422-8886
• »Coveside - www.coveside.com or 207-774-7606