Diurnal birds of prey (<em>Falconiformes</em>)

Osprey – Emerging from water after an unsuccessful divePandion haliaetus December – Texas L=23” ...... WS=63” ...... WT=3.5 lb Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and allies) Osprey, or as they are sometimes called “fish hawks”, are unique among North American raptors in that they eat live fish almost exclusively. To capture prey they dive into the water from a long glide or a hovering position. The dive ends with drama as both the head and feet of the Osprey enter the water. Since they can only penetrate the upper three feet of the water they must hunt for top feeding fish or in shallows.

Mississippi Kite – Feeding on the wingIctinia mississippiensis May – Texas L=14” ...... WS=31” ...... WT= 10 oz Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Allies)

Mississippi Kite – Feeding on the wingIctinia mississippiensis May – Texas L=14” ...... WS=31” ...... WT= 10 oz Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Allies) Mississippi Kites are acrobatic flyers who catch insects from a perch or on the wing. They are highly migratory wintering in South America and migrate in large flocks. The individuals on the next two pages were feeding on insects high in the air.

Sharp-shinned Hawk – Looking for PreyAccipiter striatus December – Texas L=11” ...... WS=23” ...... WT= 5 oz Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal Birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Allies) Sharp-shinned Hawks are the smallest accipiter in North America. The “sharpie” is a jay-sized bird that inhabits deciduous forests and urban areas and feeds mostly on small birds. These birds are often reviled by people with birdfeeders as they will perch near birdfeeders and snatch visiting birds. Sharp-shinned Hawks do not dive from above when attacking prey, rather, they rely on surprise and attack from a perch. The prey may be perched or flying when attacked. When the Sharp-shinned Hawk attacks it will burst at the last second from its perch and fly through small limbs and foliage as part of the chase. In general, these birds are secretive and quickly flee from danger or disturbances.

Bald Eagle – Attacking PreyHaliaeetus leucocephalus September – Nova Scotia L=31"......WS=80"......WT=9.5 lb Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and allies)

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus October – Texas L=31"......WS=80"......WT=9.5 lb Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and allies)