Birds+of+Prey

My Animal Report

For my animal report I chose to do Birds of Prey, although a majority of My report is focused on Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles. 

F  ast, Peregrine can dive at speeds up to 200mph.   ===     === <span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif">A dapting, Peregrine are adapting to new environments.

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> L arcenist, Peregrine often steal food from other birds

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> C ommon, Peregrine are among the worlds most widespread birds.

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> O vercomers, Peregrine came back from near extinction.

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> N est near water on ledges of rocky cliffs or buildings, but occasionally will use abandoned stick nests of other species.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">

** Informational Essay-Peregrine Falcon **

Adult Peregrine Falcons have a wingspan of about 31–47 inches and can weigh about 2.2 pounds. Peregrine are about the size of a large crow, Peregrine display marked sexual dimorphism in size. Which means the female can measure up to 30 percent larger than the male. Immature Peregrine Falcons are much browner with streaked, rather than barred, under parts, and has a pale bluish cere. All Peregrine have a black “mustache” mark on their face
 * Physical Characteristics **

After an incubation of about 29 to 33 days the eggs hatch. After hatching, the chicks remain dependent on their parents for up to two months. After five to seven weeks Peregrine chicks are able to fly. By their first year all Peregrine Falcons are sexually mature. The average lifespan of a Peregrine in the wild is 17 years
 * Life Cycle and growth**

Peregrine Falcons make themselves at home worldwide. In fact, they can be found anywhere, except for rainforests and cold, dry Arctic regions. Most peregrine migrate, although Southern Palearctic and island populations of peregrine falcon are resident, and do not migrate.
 * Habitat**

Peregrine have many adaptations, for example falcons are constantly adapting to life in urban areas, by doing things such as: nesting in sky-scrapers and feeding on urban pigeons. The upper beak of a Peregrine is notched near the tip, which enables them to kill prey by severing the spinal column at the neck. Another adaptation of the Peregrine is: a rod and two fins behind it located in each nostril. As air rushes past the nostrils, the flow is broken up and slowed by the rods and fins. This makes breathing less of an effort. <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> **Problems** Peregrine experienced a dramatic population decline between 1950 and 1965, mainly due to pesticide use and habitat loss. Peregrine Falcons were on the endangered list from 1950s-1970s due to pesticide such as DDT. Peregrine Falcons are also placed at the top of the food chain, and are sensitive to problems that other animals have. Americans have aided the preservation of Peregrine significantly, by banning pesticides like DTT. <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> Below is my Animal Interview with a Peregrine Falcon <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> = = =//__ Animal Interview – Peregrine Falcon __//= Host-Hello and welcome to Animal Planet’s Fowl Friend! Today I’ll be interviewing Mr. Peri Grine. Okay, let’s get started with the interview!
 * Adaptations**


 * Q. Okay first question, when do young falcons leave the nest?**
 * A.** //After hatching, the chicks remain dependent on their parents for up to two months//


 * Q. Second question, when are hatchlings able to fly?**
 * A.** //Peregrine chicks are able to fly after five to seven weeks//

A.** //We Peregrine are equipped with tapered wings, which enable us to fly at high speeds and to change direction rapidly//
 * Q. How can you fly so fast and turn so sharp?

A.** //Peregrine experienced a dramatic population decline between 1950 and 1965, mainly due to pesticide use and habitat loss, but things are better now//
 * Q. Why were the Peregrine an endangered species?


 * Q. Do Peregrine have other problems?**
 * A.** //Well, black marketeers often try to steel Peregrine eggs and chicks//


 * Q. How fast can Peregrine Falcons dive?**
 * A**//. We can reach a top speed of 200 mph while diving//


 * Q. What are some general facts about Peregrine Falcons?**
 * A.** //Oh, That’s easy,// //Peregrine Falcons weigh about 2.2 pound, have a wingspan of about 31–47 inches, and we display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30 percent larger than the male//


 * Q. What is one cool adaptation that Peregrine have?**
 * A.** //Each nostril contains a rod and two fins behind it. As air rushes past the nostrils, the flow is broken up and slowed by the rods and fins, this makes breathing less of an effort//


 * Q. Okay, last question, do you have any relatives?**
 * A.** //Yes,// //other falcons include the Gyrofalcon, Lanner Falcon, and the Merlin; we have 19 regional variants (subspecies) of peregrine falcon worldwide//



<span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <span style="font-size: 130%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> E ndangered, the bald eagle population was decreasing rapidly

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> A merican Icon, the bald eagle is America's National Bird

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> G row for five years, until mature

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> L ong living, Bald Eagle generally lives twenty-five years in the wild

<span style="font-size: 140%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif"> E ggs are incubated by both male and female, for 35 days
 * Informational Essay-Bald Eagle**

Bald Eagles have a body length of 28–38 in., a wingspan of about 66–88 inches and weigh about 6.6–14 lbs. Bald Eagles also display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to about 25 percent larger than males. Both the Male and female are identical in plumage coloration; an adult Bald Eagle is evenly brown with a white head and tail.
 * Physical Characteristics**

After eggs are incubated for about 35 days they hatch. Young birds fledge after 12 weeks and remain with the parents for another month. Immature Bald Eagles are brown, speckled with white until it reaches sexual maturity. By four or five years of age Bald Eagles are sexually mature and once they're old enough to breed, they often return to their birthplace.
 * Life Cycle and Growth**

Bald Eagles make themselves at home near seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish. Bald Eagles only make themselves at home in North America. Sea eagles are common in areas free of human disturbance and will only occupy an area 0.75 miles from low-density human disturbance.
 * Habitat**

One adaptation of the Bald Eagle is a bony overhang above their eyes, which protects their eyes from the sun and potential injury. Bald eagles have acute vision, and their bony overhang eliminates glare allowing them to see into the water better. While it is held immobile by the front toes, the highly developed talon of the hind toe is used to pierce the vital areas of prey. Spiricules are knuckle like structures on their toes that allow them to grasp fish.
 * Adaptations**

In the mid-20th century the bald eagle population was in a steady decline and the Bald eagle became an endangered species in the U.S. as of 1967. The reason for the population decrease was pesticides, loss of suitable habitat. Other small problems also occurred: illegal shooting, and by oil, lead, and mercury pollution were some of them. In 1972, DDT was banned in the U.S.A., and the Bald Eagles rebounded; another thing that helped the Bald Eagle population, was when the Bald Eagle became America ’s National bird.
 * Problems**

__//**Animal Interview-Bald Eagle**//__ Host- Welcome to Animal Planets Fowl Friend, here with us today is Mr. Bald E. Agle. Host-So did you have a nice flight? Mr. Agle-Yes, I did. Host- That’s good! Okay, now I’m going to be asking some questions and if you can answer them, please do. Ready? Okay let’s begin!


 * Q. What are some general facts about Bald Eagles?**
 * A.** //We have a body length of 28–38 inches; have a wingspan of about 66–88 inches, and we also display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to about 25 percent larger than males//.


 * Q. What are some cool adaptations that Bald Eagles have?**
 * A.** //We have// //Spiricules; knuckle like structures on our toes that allow them to grasp// //fish, we also have// //bony overhangs over our eyes that eliminate glare allowing us to see into the water better//.


 * Q. Have Bald Eagles had any trouble recently?**
 * A.** //Yes,// //in the mid-20th century the bald eagle population was in a steady decline. The reason for the population decrease was pesticides, loss of suitable habitat, and illegal shooting, and by oil, lead, and mercury pollution//.


 * Q. Do you prefer certain trees for nests?**
 * A.** //Yes,// //for perching, roosting, and nesting Bald Eagles use old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees//.


 * Q. After hatching are chicks dependent on their parents?**
 * A.** //Yes,// //young birds fledge after 12 weeks and remain with the parents for another month.//


 * Q. When do Bald Eagles become fully matured?**
 * A.** //By four or five years of age Bald Eagles are sexually mature, once they're old enough to breed, they often return to their birthplace//.


 * Q. Do you have any relatives?**
 * A.** //Yes, the Bald Eagle's closest relatives are the African fish-eagle of sub-Saharan// //Africa// //and the white-tailed sea-eagle of// //Eurasia.//


 * Q. Do you make new nests every year?**
 * A.** //No,// //nests are repeatedly used over many years and with new material added each year//.

100 Facts on Birds of Prey

Peregrine Falcons

|| <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine eggs are incubated for 29 to 33 days || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine are equipped with tapered wings, which enable them to fly at high speeds and to change direction rapidly || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Both the male and female incubate the eggs  || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons make themselves at home worldwide  || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">The upper beak of a Peregrine is notched near the tip which enables them to kill prey by severing the spinal column at the neck || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine experienced a dramatic population decline between 1950 and 1965, mainly due to pesticide use and habitat loss || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrines hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">A Peregrine Falcon falcon's diet consists of doves, waterfowl, songbirds and pigeons || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Other falcons include the Gyrofalcon, Lanner Falcon, and the Merlin || || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> After five to seven weeks Peregrine chicks are able to fly || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">  || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Adult Peregrine Falcons lay 3-4 eggs yearly || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Falcons can be found anywhere except for rainforests and cold, dry Arctic regions || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons have adapted to living the cities || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine Falcons were on the endangered list from 1950s-1970s due to pesticide such as DDT || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine will occasionally feed on mammals such as rats, voles, hares, mice and squirrels || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine have 19 regional variants (subspecies) of peregrine falcon worldwide || || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> After hatching, the chicks remain dependent on their parents for up to two months || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine Falcons nest in scrape, normally on cliff edges || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Southern Palearctic and island populations of peregrine falcon are resident, and do not migrate || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Each nostril contains a rod and two fins behind it. As air rushes past the nostrils, the flow is broken up and slowed by the rods and fins. This makes breathing less of an effort || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Black Marketeers often try to steel Peregrine eggs and chicks || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons catch their food while stooping or after a long chase || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> All Peregrine Falcons are matured after one year || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine Falcons breed in regions everywhere, from the Tropics to the Arctic Tundra || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine falcons are among the world's most common birds of prey and live on all continents except Antarctica || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons are also placed at the top of the food chain, and are sensitive to problems that other animals have || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 17 years || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> || <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> ||  ||
 * ===Physical characteristics=== || Life Cycle/Growth || Body Functions || Pregnancy & Birth || Location / Habitat || Adaption || Problems || Behavior || Diet || Predators / Prey || Family groups || Relatives ||
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons have a wingspan of about 31–47 inches
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Peregrine Falcons have black "mustache" mark on their face
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">A Peregrine Falcon is about the size of a large crow
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif">Immature Peregrine Falcons much browner with streaked, rather than barred, underparts, and has a pale bluish cere
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30 percent larger than the male
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif"> Peregrine Falcons weigh about 2.2 pounds

1. Peregrine Falcons have a wingspan of about 31–47 inches 2. Peregrine Falcons have black mustache mark on face 3. A Peregrine Falcon is about the size of a large crow 4. Immature Peregrine Falcons much browner with streaked, rather than barred, underparts, and has a pale bluish cere 5. Peregrine display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30 percent larger than the male 6. Peregrine eggs are incubated for 29 to 33 days 7. Both the male and female incubate the eggs 8. After five to seven weeks Peregrine chicks are able to fly 9. Adult Peregrine Falcons lay 3-4 eggs yearly 10. After hatching, the chicks remain dependent on their parents for up to two months 11. All Peregrine Falcons are matured after one year 12. Peregrine Falcons nest in scrape, normally on cliff edges 13. Peregrine are equipped with tapered wings, which enable them to fly at high speeds and to change direction rapidly 14. Peregrine Falcons have adapted to living the cities that offer 15. The upper beak of a Peregrine is notched near the tip which enables them to kill prey by severing the spinal column at the neck 16. Peregrine Falcons breed in regions everywhere, from the Tropics to the Arctic Tundra 17. Peregrine Falcons make themselves at home worldwide 18. Peregrine experienced a dramatic population decline between 1950 and 1965, mainly due to pesticide use and habitat loss 19. Peregrine Falcons were on the endangered list from 1950s-1970s due to pesticide such as DDT 20. Black Marketeers often try to steel Peregrine eggs and chicks 21. A Peregrine Falcon falcon's diet consists of doves, waterfowl, songbirds and pigeons 22. Peregrine will occasionally feed on mammals such as rats, voles, hares, mice and squirrels 23. Peregrine Falcons can reach a top speed of 200 mph while diving 24. Peregrine Falcons weigh about 2.2 pounds 25. Peregrine have 19 regional variants (subspecies) of peregrine falcon worldwide 26. Falcons can be found anywhere except for rainforests and cold, dry Arctic regions 27. Southern Palearctic and island populations of peregrine falcon are resident, and do not migrate 28. Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 17 years 29. Peregrines hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive 30. Peregrine falcons are among the world's most common birds of prey and live on all continents except Antarctica 31. Falcons can very territorial during mating season, and when the eggs have hatched 32. Peregrine Falcons mate for life 33. Peregrine frequently nest near water on ledges of rocky cliffs or buildings, but occasionally will use abandoned stick nests of other species 34. like many birds of prey peregrine falcons have acute eyesight,muscular legs, and a sharp bill 35. The Latin name "peregrinus" means "wandering" or "coming from foreign parts 36. All falcons are carnivorous 37. Almost all members of the genus Falco show a tooth on the upper mandible 38. A falcon's wings are shaped like a scythe 39. Other falcons include the Gyrofalcon, Lanner Falcon, and the Merlin 40. The traditional term for a male falcon is tercel the term for a Female Peregrine is falcon 41. for more than 3,000 years the Peregrine have been used in Falconry 42. Peregrine are in the Falconidae family 43. Peregrine are in the animalia kingdom 44. Each nostril contains a rod and two fins behind it. As air rushes past the nostrils, the flow is broken up and slowed by the rods and fins. This makes breathing less of an effort 45. Peregrine are sometimes used to scare away birds at airports to reduce the risk of bird-plane strikes

Bald Eagles

the eggs are incubated for about 35 days || While it is held immobile by the front toes, the highly developed talon of the hind toe is used to pierce the vital areas of prey  || For perching, roosting, and nesting Bald Eagles use old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees  || Sea eagles are common in areas free of human disturbance || One adaptation is a bony overhang above their eyes, which protects their eyes from the sun and potential injury  || In the mid-20th century the bald eagle population was in a steady decline  || Most Eagles will Mate for life,but suppose their partner dies or disappears they will find a new mate  || A Bald Eagle's diet is opportunistic and varied || ||  When gliding and flapping they can reach speeds of about 35–44 mph  ||  The Bald Eagle's closest relatives are the African fish-eagle of sub-Saharan Africa and the white-tailed sea-eagle of Eurasia || Bald Eagles have a wingspan of about 66–88 in. || Young birds fledge after 12 weeks and remain with the parents for another month  || Spiricules are knuckle like structures on their toes that allow them to grasp fish  || A Bald Eagle's nest is the largest of any bird in North America || Sea eagles will only occupy an area 0.75 miles from low-density human disturbance || Bald Eagles have very curved beaks that allow them to tear fish apart while eating || the Bald eagle was an endangered species in the U.S. as of 1967  || Bald Eagles are extremely sensitive to human activity  || Their main course is usually some kind of fish || ||  Eagles soar on thermal convention currents || || Most Bald eagles weigh about 6.6–14 lb || Immature Bald Eagles are brown, speckled with white until it reaches sexual maturity  || the Bald Eagle can see four to eight times better and further than we can  || Nests are repeatedly used over many years and with new material added each year  || Sea Eagles make themselves at home near seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish  || Bald eagles have acute vision, and their bony overhangeliminates glare allowing them to see into the water better || The reason for the population decrease was pesticides, loss of suitable habitat, and illegal shooting,and by oil, lead, and mercury pollution  ||  In order to hunt fish, easily their most important live prey, the eagle swoops down over the water and snatches the fish out of the water with its claws || They also take birds, especially waterfowl, and occasional mammals such as:ducks, muskrats, and sometimes turtles, and they eat carrion willingly || || || || They lay about 1 to 3 eggs per year || Bald Eagles only make themselves at home in North America  || || In 1972, DDT was banned in the U.S.A., in Canada DDT was banned in 1989, and the Bald Eagles rebounded  ||  Northern Eagles are migratory, while southern Eagles are resident, often remaining on their breeding territory all year || While they're not fishing, they sometimes steal food from ospreys, pursue injured or healthy waterfowl, or settle in for a meal of roadkill  || || || || Both the Male and female are identical in plumage coloration || Once they're old enough to breed, they often return to their birthplace  || ||  The eggs are incubated by both male and female || Nesting trees require an open structure, good visibility, and proximity to prey || || || || || || || ||
 * ** Physical characteristics ** || Life Cycle/Growth  || Body Functions  || Pregnancy & Birth  || Location / Habitat  || Adaption  || Problems  || Behavior  || Diet  || Predators / Prey  || Others  || Relatives  ||
 * Bald Eagles have a body length of 28–38 in. ||
 * Bald Eagles also display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to about 25 percent larger than males || By four or five years of age Bald Eagles are sexually mature  || ||
 * An adult Bald Eagle is evenly brown with a white head and tail || || || || || || || || || || || ||
 * The beak of a bald eagle is large and hooked, with a yellow cere || || || || || || || || || || ||   ||



1. Bald Eagles have a body length of 28–38 in. 2. Bald Eagles have a wingspan of about 66–88 in. 3. Most Bald eagles weigh about 6.6–14 lb 4. Bald Eagles also display marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to about 25 percent larger than males 5. Both the Male and female are identical in plumage coloration 6. An adult Bald Eagle is evenly brown with a white head and tail 7. The beak of a bald eagle is large and hooked, with a yellow cere 8. While it is held immobile by the front toes, the highly developed talon of the hind toe is used to pierce the vital areas of prey 9. Immature Bald Eagles are brown, speckled with white until it reaches sexual maturity 10. Bald Eagles are fully matured by their fifth year 11. Sea Eagles make themselves at home near seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish 12. For perching, roosting, and nesting Bald Eagles use old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees 13. Trees require an open structure, good visibility, and proximity to prey 14. They also require an abundance of comparatively large trees surrounding the body of water 15. Bald Eagles are extremely sensitive to human activity 16. Sea eagles are common in areas free of human disturbance 17. Sea eagles will only occupy an area 0.75 miles from low-density human disturbance 18. Bald Eagles only make themselves at home in North America 19. Northern Eagles are migratory, while southern Eagles are resident, often remaining on their breeding territory all year 20. Eagles soar on thermal convention current 21. When gliding and flapping they can reach speeds of about 35–44 mph 22. A bald Eagles are Bald Eagle's diet is opportunistic and varied 23. Although most feed mainly on fish 24. In order to hunt fish, easily their most important live prey, the eagle swoops down over the water and snatches the fish out of the water with its claws 25. Spiricules are structures on their toes that allow them to grasp fish 26. By four or five years of age Bald Eagles are sexually mature 27. Once they're old enough to breed, they often return to their birthplace 28. A Bald Eagle's nest is the largest of any bird in North America 29. Nests are repeatedly used over many years and with new material added each year 30. They lay about 1 to 3 eggs per year 31. The eggs are incubated by both male and female 32. 35 days is the average amount of days that the eggs are incubated 33. In the mid-20th century the bald eagle population was decreasing rapidly 34. The reason for the population decrease was pesticides, loss of suitable habitat, and illegal shooting,and by oil, lead, and mercury pollution 35. the Bald eagle was an endangered species in the U.S. as of 1967 36. In 1972, DDT was banned in the U.S.A., in Canada DDT was banned in 1989 37. An adaptation of the Bald Eagle is that it can see four to eight times better and further than we can 38. Another is a bony overhang above their eyes, which protects their eyes from the sun and potential injury 39. Bald Eagles have very curved beaks that allow them to tear fish apart while eating 40. The Bald Eagle's closest relatives are the African fish-eagle of sub-Saharan Africa and the white-tailed sea-eagle of Eurasia 41. They also take birds, especially waterfowl, and occasional mammals such as:ducks, muskrats, and sometimes turtles, and they eat carrion willingly 42. While they're not fishing, they sometimes steal food from ospreys, pursue injured or healthy waterfowl, or settle in for a meal of roadkill 43. Most Eagles will Mate fro life,but suppose their partner dies or disappears they will find a new mate 44. Young birds fledge after 12 weeks and remain with the parents for another month 45. Bald Eagle generally lives forty-five to fifty years in captivity and twenty-five years in the wild

1. Other Birds of Prey include kites, true hawks, vultures,owls, and Harriers 2. A Raptor hunts for food primarily on the wing, using its keen senses, especially vision 3. Many of the Raptors are or have been endangered 4. Raptors are swift, capable and agile flyers 5. Raptors such as golden eagles and owls have feathers that extend down their legs and toes 6. Raptors generally have sharp, hook-shaped beaks used to rip and tear apart the flesh of their prey 7. Vultures lack feathers around their faces. Such feathers would become matted with blood as the vulture pushed its head into a carcass 8. Most Raptors have extremely sharp, non-retractable talons that are used to seize and tear prey 9. Many birds have specialized bones that are usually lightweight with many of them being hollow 10. An adult bald eagle feathers weigh more than their bones

Sources

[|Peregrine Falcons - Wikipedia] [|Peregrine Falcons - Defenders] [|Peregrine Falcons - The Peregrine Fund] [|Bald Eagles - Wikipedia] [|Bald Eagles - National Zoo] [|Bald Eagles- Sea World]