Vertebrate Zoology: A Study Guide - T. A. Dauda 2014

Metazoa
Class Aves
Superorder Neognathae — Order Falconiformes, or Diurnal Raptors

Falconiformes differ from other orders of birds by their sharp, curved talons and a fairly short, sharply hooked beak (Fig. 44).

The Base of the upper Mandible in all species is covered with a thin yellow Skin called the cere. The HEAD is relatively large. The plumage is dense, thick, and mostly brownish or greyish. Down feathers are almost absent.

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Fig. 44 Representatives of the superorder Carinatae:

1 — sea eagle (order Diurnal Birds of Prey); 2 — tawny owl (order Strigiformes).

Diurnal birds of prey live singly or in pairs, nesting in trees, on rocks and cliffs, and occasionally on the ground. They reproduce once a year. Incubation is carried out mainly by the female, while both parents feed the nestlings. The young hatch sighted and covered with down, but develop slowly, resembling altricial-type nestlings.

Birds of prey inhabit forests, fields, steppes, and seacoasts. They feed on mouse-like rodents, large insects, and other animals. These birds have a well-developed crop, which allows some of them to consume an amount of food equal to their own body weight. They exhibit complex behaviour. The mass of the Forebrain hemispheres is 1.5–2 times greater than that of the rest of the Brain regions.

Our country is home to 44 species of diurnal birds of prey belonging to either the Falconidae or Accipitridae families.

Falcons are small to medium-sized birds with long, pointed wings and fast flight. The largest falcons are the peregrine falcon and the gyrfalcon. These are relatively rare species. They feed primarily on birds, which they strike in flight. They build nests in trees, cliffs, and on precipices. In some areas, falcons are tamed and used for falconry.

Among the smaller falcons, the red-footed falcon, merlin, and kestrel are quite widespread. They inhabit open areas and capture prey both in the air and on the ground. Their diet consists of mouse-like rodents, insects, and less frequently birds, thereby eliminating significant numbers of agricultural pests.

Accipitrids have relatively short and blunt wings and are medium to large in size. Several groups of accipitrids inhabit our country.

Hawks—such as the goshawk and the Eurasian sparrowhawk—inhabit forests. Their flight is fast, agile, and maneuverable, allowing them to weave effortlessly through trees and bushes. They ambush their prey, seizing it on the ground, in the air, or straight from branches. They feed primarily on birds, including poultry, which can cause some damage in regions with developed poultry farming.

Harriers—including the marsh, hen, and Montagu's harriers—have long legs and long, narrow wings. They frequent open habitats, flying slowly over the ground to spot and snatch up prey such as mice, voles, small birds, and large insects. Most species are beneficial, though the marsh harrier may cause some damage by preying on fish.

Kites—such as the black kite and red kite—are easily recognized by their forked tails. They nest everywhere: in forests, plains, and mountains, often soaring gracefully in flight. They consume large quantities of rodents, insects, sick or weak fish, and birds; they may also scavenge carrion or snatch a domestic chick if the opportunity arises.

Eagles are among the largest accipitrids. They differ from other birds of prey by having their tarsi feathered down to the toes, blunt and wide wings, and a swift yet heavy flight. They feed on mouse-like rodents, ground squirrels, birds, and carrion, less frequently taking hares, reptiles, and insects. They spot prey during smooth, soaring flight and strike with a sudden plunge. Nests are built primarily in trees and on cliffs. Clutch size is typically two eggs. The female usually cares for the nestlings while the male brings food.

Seven species are widespread in our country. In the forest zone, the golden eagle and the lesser spotted eagle are commonly found. In the southern regions, the steppe eagle (which nests on the ground) and the eastern imperial eagle make their home.

Eagles are beneficial because they destroy rodents and insects that are harmful to agriculture and forestry. In certain regions, the golden eagle is used as a hunting bird for hunting foxes, wolves, goitered gazelles, and bustards.

Buzzards are our most common representatives of the Accipitridae family. They are smaller than eagles, and their tarsi are not fully feathered. The common buzzard is the best known. It builds its nests in trees, whereas other species, such as the rough-legged buzzard, may nest on the ground. The clutch contains 2–4 eggs, occasionally more.

Buzzards hunt in two ways: they may soar in the air to spot prey, or they may lie in wait from an elevated perch. They catch mouse-like rodents, ground squirrels, and occasionally young hares, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects. Buzzards are the most beneficial of the birds of prey. During so-called "mouse years," they destroy up to 30 rodents a day; in normal years, a pair of these birds takes 10–12 rodents daily.

Vultures are generally large birds with featherless heads and necks and blunt talons. The best-known species include the cinereous vulture, the bearded vulture (lammergeier), and the griffon vulture. They inhabit primarily mountainous regions and foothills, building their nests in trees and on cliffs. The clutch consists of 1–2 eggs, incubated for about 55 days by both the female and male in turn. They feed primarily on carrion and decomposing animal carcasses, which are potential sources of disease outbreaks, especially in hot climates.