The birds which feed on other animals are called the birds of prey. They catch and feed on animals that are usually smaller than themselves. They may catch their prey anywhere on the ground, in air or in water. Not all birds bother to choose their prey. Some even feed on the flesh of dead animals. Do you know which the birds of prey are?
Among the common birds of prey are: buzzards, eagles, falcons, harriers, hawks, kestrels, vultures and wood peckers. Owls also catch smaller animals and feed on them but they are put in a different category. Most of the birds of prey are brown-coloured. They are found on all the continents except Antarctica. They kill their prey with their strong sharp talons, and pluck and tear the flesh with their narrow, hooked beaks. These birds normally swallow huge chunks of food and regurgitate the pellets of indigestible matter.
The birds of prey attack in two ways. Kestrel hunts by hovering over open ground, and then plunging down on its prey before it can escape. Falcon stoops or dives its head first at its prey and catches it in its talons. Eagles are powerful and soaring birds.
Some eagles hide in a tree and wait for their prey to wander into a clearing. Carrion eaters soar on outstretched wings at considerable heights for hours together and peering down for animals already dead or one about to die. In contrast to it the small birds of prey like the sparrow hawk dash at high speed through trees to spring surprise on a small creature. The birds of prey also kill with their feet. Although some use the beak for the purpose, yet the sharp, curved talons of the feet are the main killing weapons. The rear and inner talons are usually larger than the middle or outer one. These help the bird to exert a strong pincer grip on the prey.
The birds of prey hunt a variety of animals such as rabbits, hares, grouses, fishes and many other birds.
