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Raptors |
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There are over 300 different species of diurnal birds of prey, and they are among the most admired of all birds. They feed on other animals by killing or scavenging.
They have strong feet (which can be used to catch prey in many species), sharply curved talons and acute eyesight. Females are usually lager than males. In contrast to so many of the unique Australian bird species, many of the birds of prey on this continent, or close relatives, are also spread throughout the world. The biggest raptor in Australia is the Wedge-tailed Eagle, while the second largest is the handsome White-bellied Sea Eagle (pictured) which is found along coasts, rivers and around other large bodies of water. Sea Eagle
Birds of prey in Australia fill several ecological roles. As vultures do not occur here, other raptor species fill this role, and many of the larger species such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle are often more scavengers than hunters. There are also fish hunters and ocean scavengers, as well as raptors that feed by hawking on aerial insects, such as the Black Kite (pictured). Other species, such as the Grey Goshawk, may catch small mammals such as rabbits or ringtail possums. A Black Kite in flight, Darwin |
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Study Tours
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Accompanying our biology programmes and tours are the Ecosystem Guide Books. The first in the series, "Rainforest of tropical Australia", has been released. It is available in all good bookstores in Cairns and in souvenir shops and info centres throughout the rainforest areas of North Queensland. If they haven't got it, ask them to order it in! It's RRP is $35.
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