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Home , Bird of prey, List of largest birds

Table of Contents

About AEF...... 2 Lesson Plan...... 3 Lesson Plan...... 6 Lesson Plan...... 9 Glossary...... 13 Appendices...... 15 A. Tennessee Food Web...... 15 B. Owl Pellet Chart...... 16 C. Nest Box Plans...... 17

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About the American Eagle Foundation

The American Eagle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the global community to guard and protect the and all of prey through educational outreach and a deeply passionate commitment to conservation. “Conservation” represents our dedication to returning birds of prey to the wild and maintaining their populations here in Tennessee; it also refers to the practice of protecting wildlife and their habitat, which includes changing our day to day habits to better take care of the natural world. Conservation is made possible through “Education,” which is the purpose of this workbook. We can’t protect what we don’t understand, and we hope to give you all a greater appreciation for and understanding of the birds we care for. The American Eagle Foundation is home to around 65 non-releasable birds of prey. “Non- releasable” means that they are incapable of thriving in the wild. While they live a comfortable life in captivity, they are by no means pets but, rather, ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Dollywood is the American Eagle Foundation’s first corporate sponsor, and their generous support has allowed us to mutually serve our mission pillars of conservation, education, and rehabilitation.

During your visit to Dollywood, you will see the fruits of our partnership. Eagle Mountain Sanctuary is the largest eagle aviary in America, and each of its eagle residents have suffered an injury, illness, or other disability in their past. Because they were rescued as adults, these birds were not suited for glove training and were instead given the opportunity to live as “wild” in their spacious enclosure. They are fed a varied diet of fish, quail, rat, and hare that simulates their natural diet, and they undergo annual physicals to ensure their health and longevity.

At Wings of America, you’ll get to see some of American Eagle Foundation’s glove-trained conservation ambassadors. Like our other raptor residents, these birds are non-releasable due to previous illness or injury, but some are non-releasable due to human contact or captive breeding! A few of our glove trained residents are something called a human imprint. At a young age, these raptors “imprinted” on humans rather than their own kind due to being handfed, and so are dependent on people for food and incapable of . Our show birds represent the astonishing variety of raptor in Tennessee and the world. You may see species of , , , , corvids, and eagles. Some of these birds may fly just inches over your head during the show, giving you an up close and personal encounter with these amazing .

During your stay at Dollywood, we invite you to see how much information from the following lesson plans (and glossary) are represented in the birds’ behavior or the educational signage on park. Remember that visitors just like you have helped the American Eagle Foundation and Dollywood enact our mission pillars, and it will be voices like yours that continue to protect our native wildlife and their habitats.

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Hawk Lesson Plan

RELATED ACADEMIC STANDARDS

• draw conclusions about energy transfer through a food web/energy pyramid in an ecosystem (6.LS2.3) • research the ways in which an ecosystem has changed overtime in response to changes in physical conditions, population balances, human interactions, and natural catastrophes (6.LS2.6) • explain how changes in biodiversity would impact ecosystem stability and natural resources (6.LS4.1)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will understand what a hawk is, how hawks influence local ecosystems, what threat rodenticides pose to these native ecosystems, and what practices they can adopt to preserve and coexist with native species. Though this lesson plan is aligned with 6th grade standards, it can be adapted for older age groups.

LESSON PROCEDURE:

What is a Hawk? Hawks are medium-sized, diurnal—or day-time hunting—birds of prey in the . There are over 200 types of hawks, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes! They can weigh anywhere from 3 ounces (roughly a deck of cards) to 5 lbs (about the size of a two-liter bottle of soda).

Birds of prey hunt for their food, and hawks are especially skilled hunters that have hooked and talons, or sharp claws, with which they catch and eat their prey. They aren’t picky eaters and will eat prey like mammals (including rodents), other birds, , amphibians, and reptiles. In other words, they eat a lot of the critters that we don’t want in our homes. They also have great eyesight. Hawks use something called “binocular vision,” and, like its name suggests, it’s very similar to actual binoculars. Their forward-facing make two images that slightly

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overlap, giving them an idea of how far away something is. They can also focus on up to two objects; people can only keep one object in focus at a time. Or, in other words, they can see a rabbit from 17 football fields away. It’s no wonder that we use the phrases “watch like a hawk” or “hawk-eyed” to describe good vision! Because their vision is so important to their success as hunters, hawks have many physical features that help protect their eyes. Their eyes are surrounded by bone to protect them, which to us may look like angry eyebrows but works to shield their eyes from debris in . We only have two eyelids, but raptors have three: an upper and lower lid plus a third lid known as the nictitating membrane. This one closes from front to back, and it still allows some vision when they’re blinking. The Food Web

The Food Web at the 6th grade level consists of Producers (flora that absorbs the sun’s energy), Primary Consumers (herbivores that feed on plants, like insects), Secondary Consumers (omnivores that get energy directly from Producers or Primary Consumers), and Tertiary Consumers (apex predators that feed on secondary and primary consumers—and perhaps each other!). In this activity, the teacher will task students with identifying Tennessee native species as producers and consumers on the Food Web Visual (Appendix A). Next, draw arrows indicating the transfer of energy (pointing towards “prey”) within the food web. The teacher’s approach with the visual should be tailored to their teaching style and preference; the visual may function as a paper handout or, to conserve resources, projected onto a white board or display with a smart board. Facilitators should emphasize the hawk as an opportunistic hunter and crucial part of this food web. Risks Facing Hawks Ask students to guess some of the most common threats facing local hawks. Though illegal shootings, vehicle collisions, illnesses, and other predators are threats, this lesson plan will focus on a specific human-driven threat: poisoning. Pest-control options are designed to attract the target species, and, because of this, they’re designed to be tasty and appealing. Other wildlife—and even house pets and young children—may be attracted to loose bait poisons; it looks and smells like tempting candy to them. Teachers may wish to use Tic-Tacs as a representation of rodenticide pellets. Most of these poisons use something called an “anti-coagulant,” which stops blood from clotting and causes uncontrolled internal bleeding. Unfortunately, poison doesn’t kill an instantly. Affected wildlife often becomes weak and slow, making it more likely to get hit by vehicles, crash into structures, or be caught and eaten by predators. Rodenticides are designed to kill “pests,” but, because many mammals’ bodies work in similar ways, they often poison non-target wildlife through something called “secondary poisoning”. Mammals, birds, and even reptiles and amphibians can be killed by consuming poisoned prey. Because the prey is slow from the poison, it’s highly likely that the poison will travel upward on the food web, starting with the

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“target” pest animal. At this point, locate the mouse on the visual and mark through it to indicate that it’s consumed rodenticide. Ask students to identify how far up the food web the poison may go, “removing” each consumer and producer as they list it. Ultimately, rodenticide can harm everything on the visual. Plants may suffer from exposure from poisoned consumers decomposing or by the poison leeching off pellets after a rain. The larger predators—such as the fox and bobcat—may not ingest enough to be lethal after eating poisoned prey, but it may result in their hunting ability or health to be impaired. Once the rodenticide has traveled up and across the food web, ask students to guess at how this will impact biodiversity. What species will have an increase in population? What species will decline as a result? How will this impact people? Studies have shown that the use of mouse poison may actually increase rodent populations. This is due to the effectiveness of raptors like hawks and owls as hunters. One , for example, can consume up to 1,000 rodents per year, but it only takes one poisoned mouse to allow the other rodents to kill nature’s best pest control experts. Protect Our Hawks Have students deliberate on which methods of pest control pose the least risk to native ecosystems. Sticky traps, like rodenticides, are just as likely to trap non-target species; a of prey may see an easy target on the trap and become entangled themselves. Using live traps to capture and relocate rodents can spread disease to new populations, which may also imbalance the food web. The best options are ethical dispatch traps (like snap traps) in locations inaccessible to non-target species, deterrents (like scent repellants), or by attracting natural pest control experts to your yard using nest boxes! Even though their parents and other authority figures may be the ones handling the pest control, the students can make a difference, too, by being voices for wildlife, disproving common, negative myths about hawks, and supporting ethical methods for pest control.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• How many hawks can you see at Wings of America?

• Which species are native to Tennessee? Which are not?

• How do hunting habits differ between these species?

• What additional threats to hawks do you learn about from the Wings of America hosts?

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Owl Lesson Plan

RELATED TENNESSEE ACADEMIC STANDARDS • evaluate and communicate the impact of environmental variables on population size (6.LS2.1) • explain how changes in biodiversity would impact ecosystem stability and natural resources (6.LS4.1) • design a possible solution for maintaining biodiversity of ecosystems while still providing necessary human resources without disrupting environmental equilibrium (6.LS4.2)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will understand what an owl is, how owls influence local ecosystems, and what practices they can use to preserve and coexist with native species. Though this lesson plan is aligned with 6th grade learning standards, the activity in this lesson is suitable (and fun) for all ages.

MATERIALS:

• Owl Pellets • 2 softballs • Dissection kit: toothpicks, gloves, tweezers, and bone sorting sheet (Appendix) • Old sheets, trays, or towels to cover tables for easy cleaning

LESSON PROCEDURE:

What is an Owl? Owls are nocturnal—or night-time hunting—birds of prey. They typically have large heads, stocky bodies, and short tails. There are over 200 species of owl found worldwide and 19 species in North

America. The smallest North American species—the Northern Saw-Whet Owl—weighs as little as 2.3 oz, which is close to the weight of a tennis ball; the largest species, the Great Gray Owl, can weigh up to 60 oz. Birds of prey hunt for their food, and owls are especially skilled hunters that have hooked beaks and talons, or sharp claws, with which they catch and eat their prey. They aren’t picky eaters and will eat prey like mammals (including rodents), other birds (even each other), insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

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Some owls—like the Great-Horned Owl—have been known to dine on skunks and even porcupines! As nocturnal predators, owls have special adaptations to help them hunt in the dark for prey. The leading edge of their wing feathers have comb-like serrations to help them fly silently. Quiet flight helps them sneak up on their meals, and it also ensures that the sound of their prey is not drowned out by their wingbeats. Their eyes are unusually large for their head and are more tube shaped than round. The size and unique shape mean that they’re unable to move their eyes, but it also means that they’re better suited for seeing in the dark. Owls’ eyes make up approximately 3% of their body weight.

That may not sound like much, but it means that their eyes, proportionally, are 10 thousand times larger than human eyes. At this point, the facilitator may choose to have a volunteer model some example “owl ” softballs. Hearing is an especially important sense for owls. Though some species have feather tufts on top of their heads, those have less to do with hearing and more to do with . Humans and many mammals have fleshy cartilage to help funnel sound into our ears; with owls, their entire face is shaped like a satellite dish to channel the sound. A ring of rigid feathers surrounding their face magnifies this satellite-dish effect. Owls’ ears are located behind their eyes and are hidden by feathers. Some species of owls have ears that are asymmetrical, meaning that one ear is higher than the other. Having uneven ears helps owls locate the precise location of their prey. If a sound reaches the lower ear before it reaches the higher ear, that tells the hunter that the sound is coming from below. Because sight and hearing are so important to owls, they have another adaptation to help them hunt: their ability to rotate their heads. Ask how many students heard that an owl can rotate their head all the way around? That is not quite true. Owls can rotate their heads closer to 270 degrees left or right. They have a few adaptations that allow this range of motion. First, owls have nearly twice the number of neck vertebrae—or bones—as mammals; whereas most mammals have 7 neck vertebrae, owls have 14. Owls also only have one pivot socket in their neck, but humans have two, which restricts neck movement. Though owls are often the one with a head-turning reputation, the truth is that many birds of prey are also quite flexible. In the wild, it is useful to be able to look over one’s shoulder!

Pellets When owls’ hearing, flight, and vision adaptations pay off, they consume their meal whole. Because of this, they have a unique digestive system that separates the substances that can be digested from nondigestible fur and bone. This is true of most birds of prey, which often produce pellets daily. This process looks a lot like throwing up, but it’s a natural part of their bodily function that helps ensure that bones and fur do not injure their digestive tract. It’s also a great way of figuring out exactly what our nighttime hunters have been eating! Ask students to predict what they might find within an owl pellet; have students guess at percentages/amounts of prey type. After taking note of their predictions, the facilitator should cover the contents of the pellet worksheet (Appendix B) before distributing the equipment. Stress that the pellets have been sterilized and are safe to handle.

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Once the students have finished dissecting the pellets, compare students’ findings to their predictions. Discuss what this diet might reveal about the benefits that owls pose to our environment. Owls are truly mother nature’s best pest control experts. A local population of owls can take over 25 thousand rodents over the course of two years. Without owls, rodent populations may grow exponentially, resulting in property damage, the spread of diseases, and loss of biodiversity. Be an Owl Pal Though owls are expert hunters, their populations are still negatively affected by many factors. Ask the students to brainstorm on what some of those factors may be. Below is a list of recommended topics:

• Rodenticides. Because rat poisons do not kill immediately, it’s likely that a poisoned mouse or rat may be caught by a predator. Secondary poisoning kills not just owls but many predators, and the rodenticides are less efficient and more costly at rodent control than providing habitat for owls. • Sticky Traps. Like rodenticides, these traps can harm more than the target pests, resulting in a slow death for owls and other predators. • Roadside Litter. Even seemingly harmless food items like banana peels and apple cores take quite some time to decompose. During that time, they might attract rodents to the roadsides, which in turn may result in owls getting hit by vehicles. • Loss of Habitat. As trees are being cut down, owls lose nesting and roosting habitat. Dead trees are great for cavity nesting owls and should be left if they pose no risk to property. Loss of habitat also extends to loss of hunting , which is a byproduct of manicured lawns. Have the students devise solutions to the above problems faced by owls. Some recommended conservation actions include:

• Snap and kill traps that are enclosed to protect larger animals are preferable to poison. Catch and release traps may spread diseases between rodent populations and to local predators. • Clean up initiatives—like American Eagle Day or Keep Sevier Beautiful—can help remove harmful litter from habitats and hunting grounds. • Nest boxes help counteract habitat loss, and they provide the added benefit of attracting free pest control to your yard. See Appendix C for nest box plans.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• How many owls can you see at Wings of America?

• Which species are native to Tennessee? Which are not?

• What adaptations can you see in the show that help owls be better predators?

• What do you learn about owl camouflage during the show?

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Eagle Lesson Plan

RELATED TENNESSEE ACADEMIC STANDARDS

• Evaluate and communicate the impact of environmental variables on population size (6.LS2.1) • Analyze existing evidence about the effect of a specific invasive species on native populations in Tennessee and design a solution to mitigate its impact (6.LS2.5) • Assess the impacts of human activities on the biosphere including conservation, habitat management, species endangerment, and (6.ESS3.3)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will understand what an eagle is, how eagles influence local ecosystems, and what practices they can use to preserve and coexist with native species. Though this lesson plan is aligned with 6th grade academic standards, this lesson’s conservation message is easily adapted to all age groups.

MATERIALS:

• Clothespins, Markers • Rice and small jars • Optional: 8lb weight

LESSON PROCEDURE:

Eagles are diurnal birds of prey that are striking with their broad wingspan and strength. Some species are among the largest raptors in the world (a claim only shared by a few species of ), while others are smaller but no less powerful. There are over 60 eagle species in the world, ranging from fish and sea

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eagles, to serpent eagles, to “true” eagles. The smallest species of eagle is the South Nicobar Serpent- Eagle, which weighs a modest 450g or so (the weight of a FIFA-regulation Soccer Ball). The largest eagles include the Steller’s , the , and the , the largest of which may weigh 20 lbs. United States is home to only two resident species of eagle: the and the Bald Eagle. Bald eagles are a species of sea eagle found in North America. They prefer habitats near coasts, , lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water, where they can be seen hunting for fish (their favorite food), small mammals, or waterfowl. As facultative scavengers, bald eagles may also steal quarry from other predators or dine on carrion. Bald eagles are most easily identified by their shining white head and tail, but they do not earn this refined plumage until they are four or five years of age. Juveniles have dark chocolate brown plumage with white mottling on the wings and tail. During these first years, their beaks are black and lighten to a vibrant yellow as they mature. American Eagle Foundation’s nest cams provide unprecedented glimpses into the rituals and routines of wild bald eagle pairs, allowing the public insight into these wondrous creatures’ private lives. The bald eagle has been America’s national symbol since 1782. Their presence in America’s skies not only encapsulates the spirit of freedom but also of conservation. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, bald eagle populations plummeted due to the use of DDT, with as few as 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. Through conservation efforts, the bald eagle recovered from near-extinction and was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007. Their recovery, however, should not inspire a false sense of security. Bald eagles—and many of their bird of prey kin—face a variety of threats such as lead poisoning, illegal shooting, habitat loss, and wind energy. Because of this, the bald eagles should serve as a reminder of how humanity is capable of harming wildlife…and uniting in the name of conservation. Golden eagles are the most widespread species of eagle in the world, and they can be found on every continent in the northern hemisphere. They are named for the rich burnished gold on the back of their head and neck. This feature—along with their smaller -to-head ratio—helps distinguish them from bald eagles, whose legs are largely bare of feathers. Golden eagles are one of the most common national animals in the world. Mexico, Albania, Germany, Austria, and Kazakhstan all claim this magnificent bird as their own. It’s easy to see why: the golden eagle is one of the most fierce and cunning hunters in the world and, certainly, one of the most impressive in North America. These eagles have been reported to dine on coyotes, cubs, cranes, and even mountain goats. Despite this astonishing diet, these western birds prefer medium- sized prey including rabbits, prairie dogs, and other rodents; golden eagles are also facultative scavengers and may dine on carrion when resources are scarce. Despite federal efforts to protect Golden Eagles, their populations are rapidly declining. Eagle Eyed

Before exploring the factors that have threatened both of America’s eagles, it’s important to understand how these eagles operate in the wild. During this activity, students will roleplay as hunting eagles. Prior

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to the lesson, the facilitator should prepare some clothespins that will represent prey items. Label clothespins with the following:

• Fish • Carcass • Waterfowl • Mammal

50% of these clothespins should be subtly marked (such as with a red dot between the teeth of the pin). These marks will indicate “contaminated” prey, though this should not be made apparent to the students. To begin the activity, the facilitator should have students reflect on the prey types consumed by both species of eagle in the United States. The students should be asked to leave the space (or put their heads down) while the instructor conceals the clothespins in the room. The carcass and “contaminated” prey should be placed in more obvious spots, and there should ideally be two clothespins placed per student to minimize squabbling (though such competition does occur in the wild). The students should have twenty to thirty seconds to find a single prey item and “return” with it to their nests (or seats). Risks Facing Eagles

Ask students to brainstorm about risks that they might’ve encountered while hunting as eagles. Answers may include illegal shooting, competition from other predators, vehicle collision, etc. At this point, the facilitator should mention that the prey itself could be dangerous for eagles. Lead poisoning, specifically, is a potent risk to both species of eagles. When an eagle eats enough lead, it harms their nervous and reproductive system. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and an inability to fly. If the lead itself does not kill the bird, starvation may, or other predators may take advantage of the eagle’s weakened state. The facilitator should introduce the rice as a visual representation for lead fragments. If the facilitator has brought the 8lb weight to stand in as the average eagle for North American species, then that weight should be passed around prior to the guessing stage. The class can guess as a whole while the instructor pours the rice, or they may guess in groups or as individuals. Once the class has made their guess, reveal that it only takes a lead fragment the size of a grain of rice to poison an adult eagle. Worse yet, lead can build up in the bird’s system, meaning that there’s no such thing as a “safe” amount—any exposure can result in the death of an eagle on a long enough timeline.

Some raptor rehabilitation facilities, such as the Minnesota Raptor Center, have reported that as much as 90% of admitted eagles have lead in their blood. Lead-poisoning is just one of many human-driven threats facing eagles. At this point, have students inspect their prey for the “contaminated” mark. Those that caught contaminated prey do not survive for the following reasons:

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• Fish: Fish may ingest fishing hooks, lead fishing weights, or fishing line. All of these materials are dangerous to eagles! Run-off into our waterways from pollution might make fish higher in mercury content, which is also toxic to eagles. • Carcass: Hunters may leave gut piles behind with lead fragments still inside, or they may lose track of an injured animal with a gunshot wound. Some farmers may intentionally poison carcasses to protect their livestock from coyotes. • Waterfowl: Because many of these species also eat fish, lead and mercury poisoning are a concern here, too. • Mammals: Mammals might be exposed to lead from hunters or other toxins, like rodenticides, which can also harm eagles.

Divide the students into groups for a visual representation of the deceased eagles and the survivors. Unfortunately for the eagles, contaminated prey is often the easiest to catch, putting the welfare of eagles at risk. Even without these factors, survival can be difficult. An estimated 50% of eagles do not survive their first year. Compare your results to this estimate. Protect Our Eagles

Have the students deliberate on how to protect our eagles from these harmful factors. Potential solutions include changing to lead-free hunting and fishing supplies, avoiding using rodenticides, or supporting laws for better waste management. Each year on June 20th, American Eagle Foundation hosts a nationwide habitat cleanup initiative called American Eagle Day. Your school can organize a local cleanup to help your local bird of prey populations from harmful pollution and improperly discarded fishing line and weights. Visit Eagles.org for more information.

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• How many eagles can you see at park?

• Observe the eagles on Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. Why do you think these birds would not be able to thrive in the wild?

• If the golden eagle is on display or in the show, compare the golden eagle’s traits to the bald eagles. What features can help you correctly identify the two species?

• How have the efforts of American Eagle Foundation and Dollywood helped return bald eagles to the Smoky Mountains? Hint: you may have to read the park signs or listen closely to the

show hosts.

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Glossary

Anklets: Leather cuffs fastened around a bird’s anklets. Typically, these are secured with a metal eyelet through which the jesses are threaded. The soft anklet leather is molded and treated to maximize comfort for the birds. Beak: Raptors, or birds of prey, are often characterized by their strong, hooked beak that helps rip and tear their prey. Bird of Prey: A term referring to any carnivorous bird that evolved from raptorial land bird. Typically, this refers to hawks, eagles, owls, kites, vultures, and falcons, but corvids, , and other predatory birds may be included. : Though this word is often incorrectly used to describe vultures, it correctly refers to several hawk-like species of birds. Many are in the , which includes the red-tailed hawk. Cast: “To Cast” refers to the regurgitation of a pellet, or indigestible fur and bones. It is sometimes used as a noun to describe the pellet as well. Carrion: Carrion refers to dead and decaying meat, though it may also be used to describe those species that eat carrion (like “carrion birds”). Conservation: The planned preservation or management of natural resources, including habitat and wildlife, to prevent exploitation, destruction, or extinction. Diurnal: Typically refers to wildlife that is active during the day. Eagle: A common name referring to over 60 large and powerful birds of prey in the Accipitridae family. Eagles are diurnal hunters known for their striking wingspan and strength. Ecosystem: Biological systems that include an environment and its resident organisms. To discuss an “ecosystem” is to examine such wild spaces as an interconnected community. : Birds of prey within the genus Falco that are known for their agility and speed. There are roughly

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40 species of falcon, among which is the fastest animal on earth: the . Hawk: Hawks are medium-sized, diurnal—or day-time hunting—birds of prey in the family Accipitridae. There are over 200 types of hawks. Jesses: Short leather straps that are fastened around a bird of prey’s legs or anklets. Jesses help a handler manage a trained bird. Nocturnal: Typically refers to wildlife that is active at night. Non-Releasable: A term often used to describe a wild animal that is unable to thrive in the wild due to previous injury, illness, or other disability despite attempts to rehabilitate the animal. Owl: Owls are nocturnal—or night-time hunting—birds of prey. They typically have large heads, stocky bodies, and short tails. There are over 200 species of owl found worldwide. Raptor: This phrase refers to a bird of prey. It stems from the Latin word “Rapere,” which means to seize, grab, or carry off. Because of this, “raptor” generally refers to birds of prey with sharp talons, a hooked beak, and keen eyesight. Pellet: An indigestible mound of fur and bones produced by birds of prey. Because raptors eat their prey whole, pellet production is part of a healthy, functional digestive tract. Primary Feathers: Long feathers on a bird’s wingtips that are used for flight. These feathers are sometimes called “flight feathers” Rehabilitation: The act of providing professional care to injured, sick, or orphaned animals with the goal of returning them to the wild. Only federally licensed rehabilitators should try to rehabilitate wildlife for their protection and the welfare of wildlife. Rodenticide: Poisons designed to attract pests like mice and other rodents. Most of these poisons use something called an “anti-coagulant,” which causes internal bleeding. Rodenticides may also kill predators that eat a poisoned animal through a process called secondary poisoning. Scavenger: An animal that feeds on carrion or refuse. Scavengers may be “obligate,” meaning that their diet only consists of carrion, or they may be “facultative,” meaning that carrion is only a portion of their diet. Talons: A word used to describe a bird of prey’s large, hooked claws. These serve as a knife and fork raptors, allowing them grab and tear at their meal.

Vulture: Vultures are diurnal—or daytime—scavengers equipped with a bald head and long neck. They are classified into two groups: Vultures (like those found in the Americas) and Old World Vultures (European vultures).