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Home , Bald eagle, Bird of prey, Cinereous vulture, Condor, Falconiformes, Horned owl

sonality. One particular mischievous of Prey , "King Tut," will rarely pass up the chance to give a little love bite to any at the Oklalwma City Zologica~ Park unwary bird keeper.

by Chris Smith, City, OK Bald Haliaeetus leucocepbalus he term "" is used living of bird of prey. The The is perhaps the most in reference to several types wingspan of these immense recognizable bird of prey, as it is the T of carnivorous birds - specif­ can reach over three meters (about 10 national symbol of the . ically , , , and . feet). Males are distinguished from the Despite being the national symbol of Although these birds share similar females by having a large fleshy crest the USA, the Bald Eagle became characteristics, such as talons, hooked on the . Males are also larger than endangered throughout parts of its , and keen vision, not all of them the females, a trait that is unusual with range. Pesticide contamination in the are as closely related as they may birds of prey. These birds occur in the food chain led to the decline of the appear. Mountains of . Bald Eagle in southern and the "Bird of prey" is a rather casual The pair at the Oklahoma City contiguous 48 states. After the pesti­ description of members of two unrelat­ Zoological Park has been exhibited cide DDT was banned in the 1970s, ed orders of birds; the since 1960, and have produced six the Bald Eagle's population has been (eagles, hawks, and falcons) and the chicks that survived to adulthood. recovering. Although the Bald Eagle's Strigiformes (owls). These two groups Andean have a slow repro­ population is on the rebound, it is still are an example of convergent evolu­ ductive rate, laying only one every classified as a and tion, in which two lineages of unrelated other . The most recent offspring remains protected. birds have evolved similar characteris­ parented by these birds have been The Bald Eagle is often thought of tics and behaviors. Although many dif­ placed in release programs. Captive­ as a noble and majestic predator, but ferent species of birds are predators, hatch Andean Condors have been often behaves much like an over-sized "bird of prey" is usually only descriptive reintroduced into their natural habitat sea , in that it will readily steal food of the two above mentioned orders. so researchers could study how well from other birds, scavenge for dead Each of these orders of birds is sub­ they acclimated from captivity to a nat­ in shallow or even dine on divided into families, of which each ural environment. Andean Condors . member shares even more distinguish­ were also released in remote regions The Bald Eagle at the Oklahoma ing characteristics. Falconiformes is of . These studies were con­ City Zoological Park is on loan from comprised of five families; 1 ) eagles, ducted in to establish a safe and the United States Fish and Wildlife hawks, kites, and Old World vultures, effective method of reintroducing the Service. All captive Bald Eagles are the 2) vultures, 3) , 4) highly endangered California property of the U.S. government as it is falcons ahd caracaras, and 5) secretary califomianus into its nat­ illegal to own one. Like many Bald bird. Strigiformes is divided into only ural habitat. Eagles in captivity, this bird suffered two families; I ) barn owls and 2) typ­ injuries that would not allow it to sur­ icalowls. King vive in the wild. The Oklahoma City Zoological Park Sarcorampbus papa maintains a diverse collection of birds The is one of the most of prey. Most of the above mentioned colorful birds of prey. The is Harpia barpyja families are represented in the zoo's black and white, and the head, The Harpy Eagle is the largest of the bird collection. Not only is the selec­ although featherless, is a brightly col­ eagles, weighing up to nine kilograms tion of bird families varied, but the ored orange with shades of yellow, red 09.89 pounds). The wingspan can range of size of the birds themselves is and purple. These vultures also have a reach two meters, however, these great. At the Oklahoma City Zoological brightly colored at the base of eagles have relatively short wingspans Park, visitors can see not only some of the beak. in relation to their body size. The the largest birds of prey, but also some This is one of only a handful of bird Harpy Eagle is characterized by having ofthe smallest. Several species exhibit­ species that has a strong . a crest of long dark plumes on its ed are rarely seen in zoological collec­ The King Vulture is found primarily in head, giving it an -like appearance. tions. Others are tropical forests of Central and South The size difference between males and in need of captive breeding programs America, and uses its keen olfactory females is great. Females are almost in order to prevent their . senses to find that would nor­ twice as large as males. mally be hidden by dense vegetation. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical The King Vultures at the Oklahoma forests in Central and South America. Vultur grypbus City Zoological Park are not only col­ These raptors prey mainly on large The Andean Condor is the largest orful in appearance, but also in per- arboreal , such as monkeys,

42 January/February 2000 sloths, and . Despite their Saharan . These birds prey on any centimeters in length, roughly the size size, Harpy Eagles are agile flyers, small that are found on the of a starling. African Pygmy Falcons capable of snatching sloths from the ground that can be overpowered with are dimorphic, with the female being undersides of branches while in . swift powerful kicks. They are well more colorful than the male. Males are The Harpy Eagle's name comes from known for their ability to hunt and kill slate gray with white undersides. the Greek mythological monsters, the , including cobras. These birds Females are recognized by having a Harpies, which were used by Zeus to are often attracted to grassfires, where chestnut cape. persecute those who angered him. they will feast upon small animals and These little falcons are rather unique The Harpy Eagle is an endangered fleeing the danger of the fire. in their nesting habits - they almost species due to deforestation and Farms in sometimes keep always in weaver colonies. persecution. Secretary Birds to help control Weavers are finch-like birds that con­ and other vermin. struct massive multi-chambered , Secretary Birds are often thought to which can hold up to 50 pairs of monachus have been named for their resem­ weavers. African Pygmy Falcons will The Cinereous Vulture is one of the blance to medieval secretaries with take over a few chambers and live largest vultures found in the Old pens tucked behind their ears, among the weaver colony. Although World. These birds can weigh over but it is more likely their name came the pygmy falcons occasionally prey twelve kilograms (26.5 pounds) and from the Arabic term saqr-et-tair, upon weaver hatchlings, the weavers can have a wingspan of close to three meaning "-bird." and falcons live in harmony with each meters (about 10 feet). The Cinereous In 1986, the Oklahoma City other. Vulture is sometimes called the Zoological Park became one of the These tiny raptors are found in two European , which is first zoos in to success­ distinct regions of Africa. One popula­ descriptive of juveniles. Adults are col­ fully hatch and rear the Secretary Bird. tion occurs around and ored by various shades of dark brown, and the other is found in Namibia, while young birds are nearly black. Mrican Pygmy , and South Africa. Each of The Cinereous Vulture is the domi­ semitorquatus these populations is sometimes recog­ nant at a carcass. Most other The African is one of nized as a sub-species although there species of vultures are too small to tear the smallest of the birds of prey. These is very little difference between the into larger carcasses and must wait for diminutive raptors are only about 20 two. African Pygmy Falcons prey pri- the Cinereous Vulture with its large and powerful beak to make the first cuts. In , this species will often feed at "celestial burial platforms," where dead domestic animals and occaSionally are ceremonious­ ly laid to rest. These vultures once ranged throughout southern to central and eastern . Today, most of the European population has disappeared, and the Asian population is declining AMR laboratories is on independent biotechnology company due to loss of nesting sites, accidental poisonings, and human persecution. A specializing in cutting edge veterinary testing. Species Survival Plan (SSP) has been AMR laboratories offers accurate and fast sexing of your birds developed by The American Zoo and from DNA. It's no longer necessary to subject your birds. to to the Aquarium Association (AZA) in order to maintain a viable captive population trauma of surgical sexing. We con sex all species of birds from of these threatened vultures. The either a single drop of blood ($17.50) or from 3-5 feaJhers Oklahoma City Zoological Park is an ($22.50). We guarantee 99% accuracy. Your results will be active participant in this program. available within 72 hours of sample receipt. Call or write Secretary Bird for more information. Sagittarius serpentarius The Secretary Bird is a rather distinct species of bird of prey. The body of this 5100 Campus Drive Suite 100 raptor resembles that of an eagle, but its Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 legs are long, like those of a crane. AMR 1.877 .424.1212 Secretary Birds are largely terrestrial and LABORATORIES ADVANCED MOLECULAR RESEARCH www.omrlribs.com inhabit and savannah in sub-

the afa WATCHBIRD 43 L J marily on insects and small . they often prey upon other birds of lands throughout North and South prey. America. These little birds prey primar­ Great Although rather common in zoos ily on insects and small rodents. Bubo virginianus throughout Europe, the Eurasian Eagle populations have The is the largest Owl is rarely seen in North American been declining in recent , due and perhaps most familiar owl in zoos. The Oklahoma City Zoological mainly to efforts to control or eradicate North America. These owls have an Park is currently the only zoo in the from lands to be used for extensive range (northern and United States with a breeding pair of grazing livestock. Canada to Tierra del Fuego, the south­ these owls. ern-most tip of South America) and Eastern. can be found in almost every kind of Otus habitat. perspiciUata Despite their small size, only about Great Horned Owls are character­ The Spectacled Owl is found in 23 centimeters in length (8.9 inches), ized by possessing long ornamental tropical forests and woodlands in these owls have inspired many tufts over the , giving them a , Central, and South America. and superstitions concerning death "horned" or "eared" appearance. Great Spectacled Owls are named for the and disaster. Their calls are often Horned Owl calls are usually a series white markings that surround their described as blood-curdling shrieks of six deep and soft whoots, which eyes, givmg them an appearance of and were thought to be a bad omen. give reference to the term "hoot owl." wearing eyeglasses. These owls are These owls often live in rural and Although the Great Horned Owl can dark brown on the back and on top of suburban areas. There are two color occasionally be seen hunting during the head with yellowish white under­ phases of the Screech Owl; red and daylight hours, perhaps the best way sides and white markings around the gray. The red-phased birds are more to view this bird during the day is to eyes and under the chin. common in southern regions of the follow the screams of crows or jays Juveniles have white heads and United States, while the gray-phased mobbing it as it rests. dark brown faces. Young Spectacled owls are more prominent in the north. The Great Horned Owl is some­ Owls were once thought to be a sepa­ Although they are small, they are times thought of as an ecological rate species, as the young owls do not capable of, killing prey much larger counter-part to the Red-tailed develop their adult colors until they than themselves, including pigeons, jamaicensis. Both hunt similar are several years old. quail, and robins. Their hunting skills prey and occur in similar habitats but The Oklahoma City Zoological Park sometimes lead them to be described have different circadian rhythyms; the was the first zoo in the United States to as "feathered ." Despite their hawks active by day, the owls at night. successfully hatch and rear the Specta­ cute and dainty appearance, Screech The Great Horned Owl at the cled Owl. Since 1980, 18 Spectacled Owls are very aggressive birds and will Oklahoma City Zoological Park arrived Owls have hatched at the Oklahoma readily attack anything or anyone that as an injured, unreleasable and City Zoological Park. disturbs their nests or young. is now used in conservation and edu­ Both color phases of the Eastern cation programs. Burrowing Owl Screech Owl can be seen in the cunicularia Oklahoma City Zoological Park's con­ Eurasian Eagle The Burrowing Owl earns its name servation and education programs. OwIBubo bubo for its habit of nesting underground in The Eurasian Eagle Owl is the abandoned prairie or ground largest living species of owl. They can squirrel burrows. It is only on rare Nyctea scandiaca measure 72 centimeters (28 inches) and occasions that burrowing owls reside The Snowy Owl is found in the weigh three kilograms (6.6 pounds). within an active town. Arctic of North America, Europe These massive owls are closely related These owls are rather small, standing and Asia. It is easily recognized as it is to the Great Horned Owl, and both only about 25 centimeters tall (9.7 the only owl that is predominantly occupy the same niche in their envi­ inches). white. Females are distinguished from ronment. Eurasian Eagle Owls range Burrowing Owls have several habits males by having much more black bar­ from central Europe, north Africa, the that are not typical of most owl ring over their bodies. This helps cam­ and most of central Asia. In species. Along with nesting under­ ouflage the female when she tends to many parts of Europe, the Eurasian ground, these owls differ in that they the nest. Snowy Owls are rather large Eagle Owl has disappeared due to per­ are often active during the day and and heavy birds, having a wingspan secution and habitat loss. Efforts to they are colonial. When threatened, up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) and weigh­ reintroduce the owls into regions from the Burrowing Owl will seek safety ing up to 2.1 kilograms (4.6 pounds). which they had vanished have been within its burrow. But if the owl still Snowy Owls nest on the ground, moderately successful. feels threatened, it can mimic the usually on a high ridge or a mound. These birds prey upon anything up sound of a buzzing its These owls usually lay five to seven to the size of a small . They are to scare off a potential intruder. per clutch, but can lay up to 16 unusual in their dietary habits in that Burrowing Owls are found in grass- eggs, a very high number for an owl.

44 January/February 2000 AjJ-iCUll Pyg/JIy raLcon

TCllt'IlY Frogrnolfth

the afa \VATCI-IBIRD 45 However, clutches this large only its trees and greens, are enticing to occur when populations wildlife as well. explode. During drastic environmental Red-tailed Hawks are comlnonly changes, such as flooding or severe seen throughout the year. Swainson's food shortages, Snowy Owls will Hawks Buteo swainsoni can also he migrate as far south as Texas and the observed on a regular basis. During the Gulf states. summer, Mississippi Kites Ictinia missis­ sippierzsis are ahundant, as lnany prob­ Tawny ably nest in the neighboring golf Podargus strigoides course. Vultures aura Although the has are occasionally seen soaring high over­ an owl-like appearance, it is actually a head. For those with a sharp hird­ member of the , watching , a Cooper's Hawk which also includes the night jars and cooperii or an Arnerican nighthawks. and their rela­ Falco sparverius n1ay be noted. tives are not considered birds of prey. A Falco colum,barius can occa­ These birds have wide gaping mouths, sionally he spotted as it n1igrates which they use to catch insects while through the region for winter. Owls, in flight. differ from night­ being nocturnal, are rarely seen. jars in that they are much larger and Screech Owls are someti111es seen in stockier, and are more carnivorous. the spring, when chicks begin to ven­ The Tawny Frogmouth is an example ture from their nests. Great Horned of a predatory bird that is not catego­ Owls are occasional, hut unwelcome at rized as a bird of prey. the zoo. They usually make their pres­ Tawny Frogmouths attack their prey ence known with a successful hunting by pouncing upon it, but will on occa­ trip to a waterfowl exhibit during the sion capture prey on the wing. The night. Aside fro111 the rare diet of these birds usually consists of upon a zoo inhahitant, the native birds insects, small lizards, and of prey benefit the zoo, as they help rodents. keep local rodent populations in check. The Tawny Frogmouth is found in When visiting the Oklahoma City woodland habitats throughout Zoological Park, visitors can see some Australia. Its plumage is colored with of the tnost impressive ra ptors from various shades of grey and brown and around the world. But if they take a is patterned like tree bark. Their cryp- TlI 'o { li e ll 'S q/lhe SecrelalY Bird (aho{'e). n10111ent to look beyond the exotic ani­ tic col~)fation allows them to blend in Inal exhibits and into the sky, they with their surroundings and avoid lnight see some birds of prey that live .:<: a little closer to home. detection. When startled, the ­ ro 0.... mouth will hold its head up, sit in an ~ 61 References erect posture and remain still, looking -§ Brown, Leslie and Amado n , Dean Eagles, Hawks very much like a branch of a tree. ~ & Falcons oj the World The Wellfleet The Oklahoma City Zoological Park 6' Press, Secaucus . NJ 19H9 E Grossman, Mary L. , and Hamlet, John Birds of maintains the Regional Studbook for f Prey oj the World Bonanza Books, breeding programs throughout the ~ 1964 country. Keeping a studbook allows ~ de l Ho yo, .losep, Elliott, Andrew and Sargalal, ~ Jordi The Ha11dboo l..~ of the Birds of the zoos throughout the country to Inain­ World vol 2 New World Vultures to tain a healthy gene pool of the animals Lynx Edicions, Barcelona in captivity and prevent inbreeding. 1994 ~ Hume, Rob Owls of the World Running Press, In addition to the birds of prey on &. 1991 display at the Oklahoma City Simpson, Ken and Day, Nicholas The Princeton Field Guide to the Zoological Park, a variety of native Princeton University Press, Princeton, raptors can be seen at the zoo. The NJ 1996 Oklahoma City Zoological Park is Tarboton, Warwick African Birds of Prey Cornell University Press, Ithaca , NY located at the edge of the metro area 1990 and has quite a bit of undeveloped Terres, John K. The Audubo11 Society land in the surrounding area. The zoo Encyclopedia of North A merica11 Birds Wings Books, Avenel, NJ 1991 has a natural which attracts a vari- Voous, Karel H. Owls of the Northern ety of native wildlife. Also, the zoo is Killg Vultllre Hemisphere The MIT Press, adjacent to a golf course, which, with Cambridge, MA 19R9 ."..

46 January/ February 2000