What is a Bird of Prey?

Whoosh! A blur of brown whizzes past. It is a Golden Eagle, one of the most magnificent birds on the planet. The Golden Eagle is no ordinary bird; it is a bird of prey. As it uses its eyes to scan for prey, smaller animals and creatures scamper towards shelter.

Have you ever wondered what a bird of prey is? Me too. I decided to investigate how these birds are different from others.

Characteristics of a Bird of Prey

1. Sharp, hooked beak for ripping into flesh

   
   

2. Binocular vision to spot small creatures from far away

   
   

3. Curved talons for grasping prey

There are many different types of Birds of Prey, such as vultures, falcons, eagles, hawks, owls, and many more.

What kind of Bird of Prey can you find in Singapore? That's a good question! There are many types of Birds of Prey that live in Singapore, like the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Changeable Hawk-Eagle, the Crested Goshawk, the Oriental Honey-buzzard, the Bat Hawk, and more!

Most Birds of Prey are carnivores, which means they only eat meat. They prey on lizards, rodents, fish, snakes, foxes, monkeys, young deer, and even kangaroos!

Other Birds of Prey eat insects, like the red-throated caracara. They chase wasps away from their nests to eat the tasty grubs inside. Yuck!

While most Birds of Prey are apex predators, some still have natural predators, like other bigger birds.

So, the next time you look up into the sky, remember to watch out for Birds of Prey!