Articles tagged with Birds Of Prey
A comprehensive study reveals substantial declines in many South African raptor and large terrestrial bird species over the past 16 years. Researchers detected sharp declines in threatened and iconic raptors, including the Endangered Secretarybird, highlighting the vulnerability of species dependent on multiple regions.
Researchers found thousands of hutia fossils in a Caribbean cave, including nests made from compacted soil and coated with a waxy substance. The discovery provides evidence of the presence of bees in the area thousands of years ago, challenging initial findings on wasp nests.
Researchers found that kestrels deter smaller birds from fruit while also reducing the likelihood of cherry damage more than tenfold. Kestrels were associated with a 3-fold reduction in droppings spotted on branches, making them a low-cost, low-maintenance tool for growers.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that crested serpent eagles possess a unique genetic mutation allowing them to resist the toxins of invasive cane toads. The eagle's toxin resistance is attributed to the same amino acid sequence as the Siamese red-necked keelback snake.
A new study reveals that harriers have independently evolved owl-like traits in their ear and brain anatomy, allowing them to locate prey by sound. This discovery provides insights into how birds perceive their surroundings and may contribute to bird conservation efforts.
Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have created a complete evolutionary tree of bird species by combining data on 9,239 species. The resulting database can be easily shared and updated as new studies are published.
The 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional early-career researchers who are advancing public understanding of science through effective communication. The award highlights their outstanding research and commitment to sharing their work with a broader audience.
A study found 3,196 poisoning events in European raptors, with scavenging birds disproportionately affected by carbofuran and aldicarb. The most commonly poisoned species was the Eurasian Buzzard, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A recent study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology reveals that Long-eared Owls have fluorescent pigments in their feathers that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. The amount of pigment varies within a population and is correlated with age, sex, and size, suggesting alternative functions beyond sexual signaling.
A study tracking 89 Northern Saw Whet Owls in Western Montana reveals stopover behavior and notable individual variation, highlighting the complexity of their migrations. The research sheds new light on the migration patterns of North America's smallest owl, with implications for conservation efforts and further studies on other owl sp...
A new study provides insight into the American Kestrel's mysterious decline by examining juvenile survival rates, revealing high success in the first weeks outside of the nest. This breakthrough may redirect future studies to untapped areas of inquiry and inform conservation efforts.
A new study found that designated protected areas are benefiting Mexican Spotted Owl subspecies, maintaining their foothold in the region. The use of Protected Activity Centers, which protect core habitat, has been key to this success.
A new study found that wind power projects in Oregon and Washington alter the structure of nesting raptor communities. Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks declined in abundance, while Great-horned Owls increased. The research emphasizes the need to consider community composition in raptor conservation.
Researchers found that urban Red-shouldered Hawks exhibit stronger aggressive defense behaviors when nesting close to the ground. The study highlights the importance of understanding individual personality traits and environmental factors in determining nest defense behavior.
Drones offer a hands-off option for surveying raptor nests, providing an efficient and safer alternative to traditional methods. Researchers found minimal impact on raptors and higher safety for both humans and birds compared to approaching nests by foot.
Scientists discovered two new species of predatory birds in the Hell Creek Formation, which lived alongside dinosaurs like T. rex 68 million years ago. The fossils indicate that these birds could have hunted small mammals and baby dinosaurs using their powerful foot bones.
Fossilized enantiornithine birds from the Hell Creek Formation exhibit powerful leg muscles and feet adapted for carrying heavy prey, similar to modern raptorial birds. These discoveries expand our understanding of Late Cretaceous bird diversity and evolution.
A new Conservation Letter reviews the impact of built environments on raptors, identifying vehicles, wind turbines, and windows as consistently problematic obstacles. Proposed solutions include flight diverters, bird-friendly products, and habitat management to reduce collision fatalities and support conservation efforts.
Researchers identified Nagaland, Northeast India, as a critical stopover site for Amur Falcons, where the birds consume two billion termites in just over fifteen days. The findings highlight the importance of insect-rich environments in supporting the falcons' migration.
A recent study published in The Journal of Raptor Research found that Ferruginous Hawk populations are increasing in California, contrary to declining trends in other grassland bird species. Citizen science data analysis revealed a significant decrease in habitat quality yet an increase in hawk abundance across California.
As griffon vultures age, they tend to establish fewer but stronger social bonds with a core group of friends, while their movement routines become more routine. This shift in behavior is linked to the birds' increasing loyalty to familiar food sources and roosting sites.
A study by University of Granada researchers reveals that early Homo sapiens played a key role in the establishment of Bonelli's eagles in the Mediterranean. The eagles thrived as human populations grew and became sedentary, but their advantage is now threatened by human activities such as power lines and habitat disturbance.
Researchers have discovered that soaring birds use their lungs to enhance their flying capabilities by modifying the biomechanics of their flight muscles. The unique air sac, known as a subpectoral diverticulum, increases the force used to power flight muscles while soaring.
A two-year study on nesting behaviors of Chimango Caracaras reveals that pairs share most parental responsibilities, including incubation, brooding, and food deliveries. This collaborative approach allows the birds to adapt to unpredictable food sources, which is unique among raptor species.
A study led by Spanish researchers reveals Bonelli's eagles colonized the Mediterranean 50,000 years ago due to early human settlement, displacing golden eagles as the dominant species. Human activities now threaten the eagle's survival.
A new study reveals how the Ukraine war affected migratory eagles' behavior, with altered routes, reduced refuelling sites usage, and longer migration times. Researchers found that the conflict events exposed the birds to artillery fire, soldiers, and displaced civilians.
Researchers tracked migrating eagles through an active conflict zone in Ukraine, finding they used stopover sites less and made large deviations from their usual routes. This study provides the first quantitative evidence that armed conflicts can impact animal behavior.
Researchers discover Striated Caracaras' playful behavior, showing they interact with objects for fun and explore novel items. The study sheds light on how these birds learn about their environment and could provide insights into the evolution of play in nature.
Researchers found high concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in peregrine falcon eggs across North America, indicating long-term exposure to phased-out flame retardants. The study highlights the persistence of flame retardant pollution in wildlife and potential health risks for humans.
A recent study found that urban hawks are vulnerable to a range of threats, including collisions with windows and direct killing by humans. The researchers used GPS transmitters to track the movements of 158 female Cooper's hawks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and found that 88 died over the course of 11 years.
A new study reveals that prairie dogs are a crucial prey source for four species of raptors, including bald eagles, overwintering in the Southern Great Plains. The relationship between prairie dogs and their aerial predators has implications for raptor conservation through climate change.
A new protocol has been implemented, compensating loggers to leave kite nesting sites alone. The results show that 37 young raptors were saved over 7 years. This innovative approach demonstrates the benefits of dialogue between public and private sectors in conservation.
The new center will image birds of prey in flight to create 3D models of wing shapes, informing aircraft design for drones and other UAS. Researchers aim to unlock maneuverability in delivery, firefighting, and surveillance applications.
Researchers found that captive-bred Egyptian vultures improved their flight skills faster than those raised in the wild. The study suggests that early life experiences have a lasting impact on animals' ability to cope with challenging periods like migration.
Africa's birds of prey are experiencing unprecedented declines, with nearly 90% of 42 species examined declining in population. The study highlights the need for strengthened protection of natural habitats to mitigate these threats.
A new study reveals that female American Kestrels venture away from their nests to scout future territories, a behavior previously undocumented in the species. These movements, which cover large distances relative to home range size, suggest that females may be holding multiple summer homes and using better habitat after breeding.
Two new bird species, the Australian vulture (Cryptogyps lacertosus) and a newly named eagle (Dynatoaetus pachyosteus), have been found in fossil deposits from over 50,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on the extinction of megafauna and suggests that these birds may have played a key role in their demise.
Scientists have found evidence that peregrine falcons deliberately exhaust their prey to improve later hunting success. By provoking the prey into early flocking, the peregrines deprive them of opportunities to forage and energy needed to continue flocking later in the day.
A new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research found that two colonies of white-rumped vultures in Nepal demonstrated stable reproductive rates over an 11-year period. The number of occupied nests and productivity appeared to be stable, indicating a potential turning point for the critically endangered species.
A study reveals that cattle stock tanks can provide crucial water sources for raptors in the Southwestern US, helping them cope with heat stress. The research found that these tanks are used by various raptor species, including barn owls and Swainson's hawks, to drink and bathe.
A recent study by BirdLife International reveals that nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. The continent's nature is facing an urgent need for comprehensive restoration legislation to halt and reverse the decline in threatened bird species.
A recent study found that 13 of 24 Australian raptor species have higher tolerance for living in urban areas than the larger-bodied species. The Eastern Barn Owl, Brahminy Kite, and Australian Hobby were among the most tolerant species, while the Brown Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle were the least tolerant.
A recent study by Tufts Wildlife Clinic found that approximately 30% of hawks and owls were positive for exposure to neurotoxic rodenticide bromethalin. This discovery expands upon the previous research on anticoagulant rodenticides, which showed that all red-tailed hawks tested were positive for ARs.
The AOS released its 64th Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds, including species lumps for the Western Flycatcher and Caribbean birds, as well as a species split for the Northern Goshawk. Five additional bird species were recognized in the Caribbean due to revised classification.
A recent study published in Scientific Data reveals that Finland's most visually appealing bird species are colourful birds, with large birds of prey also ranking high. The top 10 most attractive species include the snowy owl and kingfisher, which receive high scores on a visual aesthetic attractiveness scale.
Researchers uncover multiple factors contributing to kestrel declines, including the impact of Cooper's Hawks and habitat degradation. The study suggests that population increases may be seen in some areas, but overall decline trends indicate a need for conservation efforts.
Research reveals that urban bird species are generally smaller, less territorial, and have greater ability to fly long distances. They also have broader dietary and habitat niches, lay more eggs at a time, live longer, and inhabit wider elevations compared to other species.
A study reveals that birds in multispecies flocks from Southeast Asia converge on similar appearances, blurring species distinctions. This phenomenon may contribute to diversity by allowing birds to adapt and evolve distinct traits within a species.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
Bald eagles in northwestern Washington state have become a boon to dairy farmers due to climate change, deterring pests and removing animal carcasses. The shift in salmon spawning schedule has reduced available carcasses on rivers, forcing eagles to seek alternative food sources from dairy farm by-products.
Researchers from Flinders University uncover the fossilized remains of Australia's largest eagle, Dynatoaetus gaffae, a bird with a wingspan twice that of the modern-day wedge-tailed eagle. The discovery sheds light on the continent's megafauna extinction and highlights the importance of raptors in the region.
A recent study reveals that climate change has led to an increase in Bald Eagle populations, which are now forming a relationship with dairy farmers in northwestern Washington State. In exchange for the eagles' services such as carcass removal and pest-deterrence, dairy farmers reap benefits from the eagles' presence.
A study from the University of Georgia found that less than half of bald eagle nests in coastal Georgia successfully fledged at least one chick in 2022, a 30% decrease below average. The highly infectious H5N1 avian influenza virus is killing off unprecedented numbers of mating pairs of bald eagles, with the number of infected wild bir...
A study found peregrine falcons in larger cities like London rely on human activities supporting prey populations, particularly feral pigeons. The birds changed their diet during the pandemic, replacing pigeons with starlings and parakeets.
Biologists found songbirds can assess when predation risk from northern pygmy owls is highest and when there's safety in numbers. Mobbing behavior peaked in late summer and autumn when young birds are most vulnerable.
A study found that the decline of black-tailed prairie dogs due to sylvatic plague, combined with abnormally high precipitation, led to dramatic ecosystem changes. The loss of prairie dog habitat caused declines in associated species such as birds, swift foxes, and coyotes.
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
Research from the University of California - Davis recommends cleaning nest boxes in fall months to avoid disturbing American barn owl breeding pairs. Land managers can install nest box networks to attract barn owls and benefit agricultural operations by controlling pests.
A study led by Flinders University reveals that Australia's Letter-winged kite may not have enhanced vision for nighttime hunting as previously thought. The research found similar eye dimensions to its daytime-hunting relatives, contradicting decades of speculation about the kite's visual system.
A groundbreaking study has revealed widespread and frequent lead poisoning in North American bald and golden eagles, affecting both species' populations. Lead exposure is causing population growth rates to slow for bald eagles by 3.8 percent annually.