Falconidae

 

  

The Life of Animals | Falconidae | Falcons and are small to medium caracaras sized birds of prey, ranging in size from the Black-thighed Falconet, the which can weight as little as 35 grams (1.2 oz), to the Gyrfalcon, the which can weigh as much as 1.735 grams (61.2 oz ). There is little difference in the plumage of males and Females, although a few species have some sexual dimorphism in boldness of plumage. Some species have exceptionally wide ranges, particularly the cosmopolitan Peregrine Falcon, the which ranges from Greenland to Fiji and has the widest distribution of any natural breeding bird.

Other species have more restricted distributions, particularly island endemics like the Mauritius Kestrel. Most habitat types are Occupied, from tundra to rainforest and deserts, although Generally They are birds of more open country and even forest species growing niche to prefer broken forest and forest edges. Some species, mostly in the genus Falco, are fully migratory, with some species of summering in Eurasia and wintering entirely in Africa, other species may be partly migratory. The Amur Falcon has one of the longest Migrations, moving from East Asia to southern Africa Falcons and caracaras are carnivores, feeding on birds, small Mammals, Reptiles, insects and carrion.

The Forest Falcons of the Neotropics are generalist forest hunters. Several species, particularly the true Falcons, will stash food supplies in caches. Some species are specialists, the Laughing Falcon specialises in snakes, others are more generalist. The Falcons and caracaras Breeders are Generally solitary, although around 10% of species are colonial, for example the Red-footed Falcon. They are monogamous, although some may also employ alloparenting caracaras stratergies, where younger birds help adults (usually Their parents) in raising the next Brood of chicks. Generally Nests are not built (except by the caracaras), but are co opted from other birds, for example Pygmy Falcons nest in the nests of weavers, or on the Ledges on cliffs. Incubation times Vary from species to species and are correlated with body size, lasting 28 days in smaller species and up to 35 days in larger species.

Falcons and caracaras have a complicated relationship with Humans. Around five species of falcon are Considered Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN, Including the Saker Falcon. Traditionally, all the raptors are grouped into four families in this single order. Cathartidae are not Falconiformes but are related to the storks, in the separate order Ciconiiformes. However, morphological evidence supports the Common Ancestry of the Falconiformes, and the Strigiformes may be very close to the Falconiformes as well. The American Ornithologists' Union reintegrated the New World Vultures (family Cathartidae) into Falconiformes in 2007.

New World Vulture

  

The Life of Animals | New World Vulture | Generally these birds are large, ranging in length from the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture at 56-61 centimeters (22-24 in) up to the California and Andean condors, both of the which can reach 120 centimeters (48 in) in length and weigh 12 or more kilograms (26 lb or more). All species have featherless heads and necks.  The beak is slightly hooked and is Relatively weak when compared Those of other birds of prey.

Mainly Most species are resident, but the Turkey Vulture Populations breeding in the northern U.S. and Canada migrate south in the northern winter.New World Vultures Inhabit a large variety of habitats and Ecosystems, ranging from deserts to tropical Rainforests and at heights of sea level to mountain ranges, using highly adapted Their sense of smell to locate carrion. The California Condor is critically endangered.

As of October 31, 2009 there were 180 birds in the Andean Condor wild.The is near Threatened. The American Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, and Greater Yellow-headed Vulture are listed as species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The American Black Vulture and the King Vulture Appear in a variety of Maya hieroglyphs in Mayan codices. The King Vulture is one of the most common species of birds represented in the Mayan codices. Its glyph is easily distinguishable by the knob on the bird's beak and by the concentric circles That Represent the bird's eyes. Sometimes it is portrayed as a god with a human body and a bird head.

In Mayan codices, the American Black Vulture is normally connected with death or shown as a bird of prey, and its glyph is Often depicted attacking Humans. This species lacks the religious connections That the King Vulture has. While some of the glyphs Cleary show the American Black Vulture's open nostril and hooked beak, some are assumed to be this species of Because They are Vulture-like and painted black, but lack the King Vulture's knob.

Secretarybird

  
The Life of Animals | Secretarybird | The Secretary Bird is instantly recognizable as having an eagle-like body on crane-like legs the which increases the bird's height to as much as 1.3 m (4 ft) tall.From a distance or in flight it resembles a crane more than a bird of prey. The tail has two elongated central feathers extend beyond That the feet during flight, as well as long flat plumage creating a posterior crest Secretary Bird flight feathers and thighs are black, while most of the coverts are gray with some being white. Sexes look similar to one another as the species exhibits very little sexual dimorphism, although the male has longer head and tail feathers Plumes.

Secretary Birds prefer open grasslands and Savannas rather than dense forests and the which may impede Their Shrubbery cursorial existence. While the birds Roost on the local Acacia trees at night, They spend much of the day on the ground, returning to roosting sites just before dark. Secretary Birds associate in monogamous pairs.

Secretary birds will stay close to Their mate even if Their chick has already left. The Secretary Bird has Traditionally been admired in Africa for its striking appearance and ability to deal with pests and snakes.  The Secretary Bird is the national emblem of Sudan as well as a prominent feature on the Coat of arms of South Africa.

The Secretary Bird on the Presidential Flag and Seal has its head turned to the right, with its distinctive crest Cleary visible and its wings spread out a white banner with its outstretched wings reading Between "Victory is Ours". In South Africa, the Secretary Bird, while not the official bird, is featured as a symbol on the national coat of arms, representing vigilance and military Might, as well as the rise and pride of modern South Africa. The Secretary Bird has been a common motif for African countries on postage stamps, over 65 stamps from about 30 countries are known as of date Including some from stamp-issuing entities Such as Ajman, Manama. The species is well represented in protected areas as well.