BIRDS OF PREY 
(Condors, Secretary Birds, Hawks and Eagles) 
The birds of this group are especially adapted for obtaining their sub¬ 
sistence by preying upon their fellows. They are solely flesh eaters and 
either pursue and capture their victims alive, rob other birds of their catch, 
or feed on carrion. As a group they are the most feared and hated members 
of the feathered family. Many species of this group, however, destroy ob¬ 
noxious pests such as mice and harmful snakes or help clean up carrion. 
The turkey buzzards, familiar to the residents of the southern United States, 
fall into the latter class. 
The eyes of these birds are often sunk beneath projecting ridges, which 
lend them a sinister look. Their beetling brows coupled with their loud 
harsh cries seem to assist the birds of prey in their work by terrifying 
their victims. However, the destructiveness of birds of prey to game and 
poultry is generally greatly exaggerated. 
Falconry, a favorite diversion of royal families during the Middle 
Ages, is still practised today by the aristocracy in England, Arabia and 
Persia. The art consists in patiently training a falcon or hawk to hunt 
down its prey but not to devour it. The bird is carried on the left wrist, 
which is protected by a heavy gauntlet. The golden eagle, one of the largest 
and most magnificent of the birds of prey, is trained to hunt down hares, 
foxes and even fleet-footed antelopes. 
Condors: Californian Condor. 
Andean Condor. 
Secretary Birds: Secretary Bird. 
Vultures: Bearded Vulture. 
Turkey Vulture. 
Indian Vulture. 
Hawks: Cooper’s Hawk. 
Eagles: American Eagle. 
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