Birds Feeding on Animals

Compared with watching the peaceful scene of birds foraging for seeds at a feeder, watching birds of prey capture other birds is a thrill-a-minute experience. A Merlin hunting Sanderlings on a California beach flies low behind a dune to approach its intended prey unseen. Suddenly this small falcon streaks over the dune heading for the Sanderlings in the surf zone. The Sanderlings instantly take flight, joining in a small flock, to try to evade the death that is hurtling their way. The chase may continue over a large area of the beach and may include several dashes by the Merlin into the flock, while pursuer and pursued display the best flying of which they are capable. For the potential victim, the stakes are high indeed.

Predatory birds hunt in several styles, taking advantage of keen eyesight, hearing, and a swift, surprise attack. Many hawks and owls, such as the Red-Tailed Hawk and the Great Horned Owl, hunt from a perch; some birds like the American Kestrel and the Black-shouldered Kite, hover over open country; others, like the northern Harrier and the Short-eared Owl, fly low over likely prey habitats.

Left, a Black-shouldered Kite has brought a meadow mouse up to its lofty perch to be eaten. Kites generally hunt for insects and small rodents; other hawks prefer primarily rodents, and the large Golden Eagle specializes on jackrabbits.