OWLS
EAGLES & BUZZARDS
Raptors have various wing designs to allow them to cope with their specific hunting techniques.
VULTURES
Long broad wings for making maximum use of thermals to soar effortlesly through the air while searching for carcasses.
Long broad wings also designed for thermal soaring and for fast decent when attacking prey. Some Buzzards also use their wings for hovering.
Short broad wings for low altitude soaring and suitable for attacking prey at speed using dash and seize technique.
Broad wings with downy fringed flight feathers to facilitate silent flight which assists them in approaching prey quitely at night.
Aerodynamic long sickle shaped wings to facilitate speed which falcons rely on in attacking prey. Some Kestrels use their wings for hovering.
Long narrow wings and tail suited for low level gliding which allows them to suddenly stall in flight and drop onto prey.
landing gear out
wing and tail feathers spread out for max resistance
attack mode
wings swept back legs forward
and talons spread
hovering mode
hovering over one spot waiting for prey to break cover before attack
W I N G S
HAWKS
HARRIERS & KITES
FALCONS,KESTRELS & HOBBIES
LANDING MODE
HOVERING MODE
ATTACK MODE