Birds of Prey

Birds of prey, or raptors, are captivating avian predators renowned for their extraordinary hunting abilities and crucial role in ecosystem balance. These magnificent birds, which include eagles, hawks, and owls, are equipped with specialized adaptations that enhance their hunting skills. At the Little Rock Zoo, we proudly host several species of these incredible birds.

Eagles

Eagles are iconic raptors known for their impressive size and formidable hunting prowess. These apex predators possess large, hooked beaks designed for tearing flesh, powerful talons for gripping prey, and extraordinary vision that allows them to spot potential meals from great distances. Their keen eyesight is up to eight times sharper than that of humans, enabling them to detect prey from high altitudes. Eagles are found across diverse habitats, from lush rainforests to expansive grasslands. The Bald Eagle, a symbol of national pride in North America, and the Golden Eagle, known for its agility and strength, exemplify the diverse adaptations of eagles.

Hawks

Hawks are agile raptors with keen eyesight and impressive aerial maneuverability. Their sharp talons and beaks are tailored for capturing a variety of prey, from small mammals to insects. Hawks can spot prey from great heights thanks to their acute vision, which is crucial for detecting movement across expansive landscapes. Their broad wings and strong, aerodynamic bodies allow them to execute swift, precise strikes. A distinctive feature of hawks is their varied and often loud calls, used for communication and territory marking. Fun Fact: The red-tailed hawk's call is so distinctive that Hollywood frequently uses it as a generic raptor call in films and TV shows. The typical "eagle call" we're all familiar with is actually a hawk.

Owls

Owls are unique among raptors for their nocturnal hunting adaptations. With large, forward-facing eyes and exceptional hearing, owls are masters of night-time predation. Their large eyes provide excellent low-light vision, while their highly sensitive ears, often aided by facial discs that funnel sound, allow them to locate prey in near-total darkness. Owls also have specialized feathers that enable silent flight, reducing noise and making them almost invisible to their prey. This silent flight is achieved through a combination of unique feather structures that minimize air turbulence. The Barn Owl's heart-shaped face enhances sound detection, and the Great Horned Owl's tufted feathers contribute to its distinctive appearance and auditory capabilities. There are over 200 owl species worldwide, each adapted to its specific habitat, from dense forests to urban areas.

Vultures

Vultures are remarkable scavengers that play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. With their impressive wingspans and keen sense of sight, vultures soar high in the sky, searching for food from great distances. They have highly adapted digestive systems capable of neutralizing harmful bacteria and toxins found in decaying flesh, making them vital for maintaining ecological balance. Despite their essential role, many vulture species are facing severe threats due to habitat loss, poisoning, and hunting.

Bald Eagle

Barn Owl

Great Horned Owl

Barred Owl

Eastern Screech Owl

Harris Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are majestic birds of prey known for their striking appearance and symbolic significance. As the national bird and symbol of the United States, they are easily recognized by their white heads and tails contrasting with their dark brown bodies and wings. These large raptors have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, making them impressive in flight.

Bald Eagles are found near large bodies of open water with abundant fish, their primary food source. They prefer habitats such as coastlines, rivers, lakes, and marshes where they can hunt for fish, waterfowl, and small mammals. Nesting in tall trees or cliffs, they build massive nests that they often reuse and expand each year.

Bald Eagles go through four maturation stages. Each stage takes one year. The first stage occurs when they hatch, they have dark eyes, pink skin, and flesh colored talons. Within the first 18-22 days their skin turns bluish in color and their legs turn yellow. Within the first year, they will develop white feathers and their beaks and eyes will turn dark brown. In the second stage, their eyes turn grayish brown and their feathers become more mottled white. In the third stage, their eyes and beak turns yellow. During the fourth and final stage, their body feathers are mostly dark/brown while their head and tail remain white. Their adult plumage is achieved in their fifth year of life. Females are larger than males. They can live up to 28 years in the wild.

Habitat/Range:

These birds are native to North America and prefer areas near large bodies of water. They are very skittish and will avoid areas where humans are present.

Size:

Length: 31-37in. Wingspan: 70-90in. Weight: 9.5lbs.

Bald Eagles can go several days without eating. They will even store food in their crop for later digestion.
They have a 6 foot wing span and are mostly scavengers.
Bald eagles build the largest nest of any North American bird.
The grip of a bald eagle talon is 10x stronger than that of humans.
Bald eagles are not actually bald. Their heads are covered in white feathers. The name comes from an older meaning of the word "white-headed".
Eagle eyes are the same size as a human's. Their vision is so precise, they can spot prey up to 2 miles away.
Bald eagles return to the area they were born when they reach reproductive maturity and mate for life.

Conservation efforts have played a critical role in the recovery of Bald Eagle populations. Once endangered due to habitat destruction, illegal shooting, and the effects of DDT pesticide, they have made a remarkable comeback thanks to legal protection, habitat restoration, and banning harmful chemicals. Today, Bald Eagles serve as a powerful reminder of successful wildlife conservation efforts.

Conservation Action:

Protected under the Migratory Bird Act. Some areas have habitat conservation plans in action.

Barn Owl

Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are captivating nocturnal birds of prey known for their distinctive heart-shaped faces and silent flight. These owls are widely distributed, found on every continent except Antarctica. They typically inhabit open countryside, grasslands, and farmlands, where they roost in barns, tree cavities, and other secluded places.

Barn Owls are remarkable hunters, relying on their acute hearing and keen eyesight to locate prey, primarily small mammals like mice and voles. Their silent flight is facilitated by specialized feather structures that reduce noise, allowing them to stealthily approach their prey.

These owls play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, making them valuable allies to farmers and an integral part of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, Barn Owl populations face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and road collisions.

Here at the Little Rock Zoo you can see the Barn Owl in the Arkansas Heritage Farm.

The Barn Owl has excellent low-light vision, and can easily find prey at night by sight. But its ability to locate prey by sound alone is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. It can catch mice in complete darkness in the lab, or hidden by vegetation or snow out in the real world.
The oldest known North American Barn Owl lived in Ohio and was at least 15 years, 5 months old when it died.
It does not hoot, a call often made by other owls, instead they produce a characteristic rasping screech.
The barn owl has acute hearing, with ears placed asymmetrically for improved detection of sound position and distance, and it does not require sight to hunt.
Owls eat their prey whole but cannot digest bones, beaks, feathers, fur and claws; these materials are regurgitated several hours after eating in the form of ‘owl pellets’.

Barn Owls are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range and a 2012 census reported that their population is at about five million adult individuals. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a powerful and adaptable bird of prey native to the Americas. Known for their distinctive tufts resembling horns and their large, yellow eyes, these impressive raptors are found throughout a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban areas. They are one of the most widespread owls in North America.

Great Horned Owls have a varied diet that includes mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Their keen senses, powerful talons, and silent flight make them formidable hunters. They are known for their deep, hooting calls which can be heard during both day and night.

Due to a poor sense of smell, they are one of few animals to include skunks in their regular diet.
Owls eat their prey whole but cannot digest bones, beaks, feathers, fur and claws; these materials are regurgitated several hours after eating in the form of ‘owl pellets’.
Owls use the 14 vertebrae in their neck to move their heads 270 degrees to look in different directions.
The ‘horns’ are known as ear tufts, although they don’t have anything to do with hearing; they help camouflage the owl among the trees.

Great Horned Owls are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Barred Owl

The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a striking and adaptable raptor native to North America, known for its distinctive hooting call that sounds like "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" These medium-sized owls have a distinctive appearance with their barred chest and belly, round face, and dark eyes.

Barred Owls are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover and abundant food sources, such as small mammals, birds, and insects. Their silent flight and keen hunting skills make them proficient predators, essential for maintaining ecological balance.

These owls are often seen perched on tree branches during the day and are known for their strong territorial behavior, which is marked by their distinctive calls.

Barred owls are one of North America's most common and most vocal owls.
Owls eat their prey whole but cannot digest bones, beaks, feathers, fur and claws; these materials are regurgitated several hours after eating in the form of ‘owl pellets’.
Owls use the 14 vertebrae in their neck to move their heads 270 degrees to look in different directions.
They are expanding their range into the Pacific Northwest and have begun to hybridize with their smaller, critically endangered cousin, the spotted owl.

Barred Owls are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Eastern Screech Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) is a small, nocturnal bird native to the eastern United States. Renowned for its distinctive call, which sounds like a soft whinny or a trilling whistle, this owl is a master of camouflage. Its plumage, which varies from reddish-brown to gray, helps it blend seamlessly into the bark of trees, making it less visible to predators and prey alike.

Eastern Screech Owls are adaptable birds that thrive in a range of habitats, including woodlands, urban parks, and suburban areas. They are cavity-nesters, often taking advantage of abandoned woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, insects, and occasionally small birds.

These owls are solitary and highly territorial, with males using their calls to establish their presence and attract a mate. Their ability to remain hidden during the day and their distinctive calls at night make them fascinating subjects of study for bird enthusiasts and wildlife watchers alike.

These owls do not migrate. They stay within their home range throughout the winter, leaving only during severe weather in search of food
Owls eat their prey whole but cannot digest bones, beaks, feathers, fur and claws; these materials are regurgitated several hours after eating in the form of ‘owl pellets’.
Owls use the 14 vertebrae in their neck to move their heads 270 degrees to look in different directions.
Eastern screech owls have two color phases: gray and red.
Screech owls have been known to bring other animals, such as snakes, into their nests to feed on the larval and pupal stages of parasitic insects that infest the nest cavity.
Contrary to popular belief, the screech owl does not actually screech. It makes more of a trilling sound or a whinny.

Eastern Screech Owls are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Harris Hawk

Harris Hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) are striking birds of prey known for their unique hunting style and social behavior. Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America, these raptors are distinguished by their dark brown feathers, white tail feathers, and reddish-brown legs.

One of the most notable characteristics of Harris Hawks is their cooperative hunting strategy. Unlike many other raptors that hunt alone, Harris Hawks often hunt in groups. This teamwork allows them to tackle larger prey and adapt to various environmental conditions. Their keen eyesight and powerful talons make them formidable hunters, capable of capturing a wide range of prey, including rodents, birds, and small mammals.

Harris Hawks are also known for their adaptability and resilience, which has contributed to their stable population in the wild. They thrive in diverse habitats, from deserts to woodlands, demonstrating their versatility.

Harris’s hawks are extremely social birds and typically live and hunt in social groups. This cooperative hunting behavior, unusual for raptors, has earned them the nickname “Wolves of the Sky.” Their hunting style works much like that of mammals, where some members of the group flush out the prey and chase it towards the other hunters in the group.
When perches are few, Harris’s hawks have been observed “stacking.” Unique only to Harris’s hawks, stacking sounds exactly like what it is—they stand on each other’s backs. Sometimes as many as three or four birds will be stacked neatly one on top of the other.

Harris Hawks are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Red Tailed Hawk

Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are among North America's most widespread and recognizable raptors. Known for their distinctive reddish-brown tails and powerful hunting skills, these birds of prey are often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on trees and utility poles. Their impressive wingspan, ranging from 43 to 52 inches, allows them to glide effortlessly while scanning the ground for prey.

These hawks primarily hunt small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, but their diet can also include birds and reptiles. Their keen eyesight enables them to spot prey from great distances, making them highly effective hunters. Red-Tailed Hawks use their sharp talons and beaks to capture and consume their prey.

They are adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Red-Tailed Hawks build their nests in tall trees or on cliffs, often returning to the same nest year after year. Their nesting sites are usually well-hidden and built with sticks, leaves, and other materials.

In addition to their role as apex predators, Red-Tailed Hawks are integral to maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. Observing these majestic birds provides insight into the health of their environment and underscores the importance of conserving their natural habitats.

The powerful cry of a red-tailed hawk is the same cry used in TV commercials depicting bald eagles.
When soaring or flapping its wings, a red-tailed hawk typically travels from 20 to 40 mph, but when diving map reach 120 mph.
Red-tailed hawks can spot prey from 100 feet in the air. Their eyesight is about 7 times better than a human's.

Red Tailed Hawks are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Black Vulture

Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) are impressive scavengers found in the Americas, from the southern United States down to South America. Easily recognizable by their dark plumage and bare, grayish head, these birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem as nature's cleanup crew. They feed primarily on carrion, helping to prevent the spread of disease by consuming decaying flesh.

With a wingspan of about 5.5 to 6.5 feet, black vultures are strong fliers and can travel long distances in search of food. Their keen sense of sight, coupled with their ability to soar effortlessly, allows them to locate carrion from great heights. Although they do not have a strong sense of smell, they rely on the sight of other vultures to help find food sources.

Black vultures are social birds, often seen in large groups or "kettles," especially around feeding areas. Their communal roosting habits and cooperative behavior in locating food are notable features of their social structure. These vultures are also known for their adaptability to various environments, including urban areas, where they may scavenge for food in city dumps or landfills.

Black vulture mating pairs may remain together and reuse a successful nesting site for many years. Both the male and female parents take turns incubating their eggs.
Black vultures usually feed together in large groups, and are so aggressive that other vulture species will stay away.
When startled, a black vulture may regurgitate partially digested food to discourage predators and lessen its weight for flight.
Vultures will often urinate on their own legs in order to increase evaporative cooling in the hot summer months.

Black Vultures are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) are fascinating scavengers commonly found throughout the Americas. Recognizable by their large, dark bodies and distinctive red heads, these birds play a crucial role in their ecosystems as nature's clean-up crew. With their keen sense of smell and impressive soaring capabilities, Turkey Vultures are adept at locating carrion from great heights.

These vultures are equipped with powerful digestive systems that allow them to safely consume decaying flesh, helping to prevent the spread of disease. Their unique physical adaptations include a bald head, which is more hygienic for scavenging, and broad wings that enable them to glide effortlessly in search of food.

Turkey vultures are so-called because their featherless red head resembles that of a turkey.
A group of vultures is called a “Venue.” Vultures circling in the air are called a “Kettle.” Groups of feeding vultures are called “wakes.”
Vultures will often urinate on their own legs in order to increase evaporative cooling in the hot summer months.
To conserve energy, vultures often ride thermals, columns of hot air that rise as updrafts.

Turkey Vultures are listed as least concern by the IUCN. They are relatively common throughout most of their range. Although they are not considered globally threatened, their numbers have been declining in parts of their rage primarily due to habitat loss. Pesticide use, prey depletion and traffic deaths are also threats.

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