Animals

BIRDS OF PREY

While most people tend to interchange "raptor" with "bird of prey", there is technically a difference. A raptor is a bird that catches its prey from above using talons (the word raptor comes from the Latin word rapere, meaning to seize or plunder). Other birds that are scavengers or catch their prey differently are called birds of prey.

Golden Eagles get their name from their color. While the wingspan can range from 4 - 8 feet, the giant birds only weigh 5 - 15 pounds. Hollow bones, light feathers and a beak (instead of teeth) all help keep this bird relatively light.

This permanently disabled young Golden Eagle has his home at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver.

This eagle soars majestically above its canyon homeland at Colorado National Monument.

Red-tailed Hawks are the most familiar hawk of the Rocky Mountains. They are medium-sized, weighing only up to 4 or 5 pounds. As a member of the soaring hawks, they can frequently be seen flying high in the sky, searching for unwary small animals.

This partially blind Red-tailed Hawk is part of the bird show at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver.

This wild hawk takes a break in a tree.

Note the red colored tail.

Turkey Vultures are the most common vulture in the Americas. They get their name from their bald red head, which resembles that of a male wild turkey. These scavengers patrol the land in search of carrion. Unlike most birds, they can use their excellent sense of smell to locate food (rotting meat).

Turkey Vultures can be identified by their two-toned wings.




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