Raptor Superpowers
Sight, Stealth, Smarts, Speed, Strength and Smell. Explore The Six S's That Make Raptors Super!
"Hello, Friend," Broad-Winged Hawk (2010) by Carolina Raptor Center staff photoCarolina Raptor Center
1. SIGHT
Hawks have excellent eyesight! Four types of color receptors in their eyes allow them to see more of the color spectrum than humans! Can you imagine what the world would look like with more colors?
Staring contest, anyone? Hawks have indented foveae (a part of their eye) that magnify the middle of their visual field. This means they can see farther and more clearly. This would be like standing on top of a building and being able to see an ant on the ground!
Red-tailed Hawk (2009-04-12/2009-04-12) by Lindsay BirminghamCarolina Raptor Center
Hawks' magnified vision allows them to spot a tiny animal, like a mouse, from a hundred feet away!
Common Raven, close-up (2017) by Phil StoufferCarolina Raptor Center
2. SMARTS
Ravens are super smart! Although they are not technically raptors, we have a special place in our hearts for these sophisticated birds. Like humans, they have been known to show empathy, use tools, and engage in complex social games. Be on the lookout next time some ravens play "follow the leader" and maybe they'll let you join!
Bald Eagle family (2011) by Brian HochmuthCarolina Raptor Center
3. STRENGTH
Eagles are incredibly strong, powerful birds. A Bald Eagle was once seen carrying a mule deer fawn!
Bald Eagle, profile (2009) by Shari LambethCarolina Raptor Center
Eagles are the apex predators of the bird world for a reason! No wonder they are considered the "King of Birds" in some areas.
"Hiding, again," Eastern Screech Owl (2010) by Carolina Raptor Center staff photoCarolina Raptor Center
4. STEALTH
Look at that camouflage! Owls like this Eastern Screech-Owl are super stealthy. They even have highly adapted wing feathers that allow them to fly through the air silently. Their prey never stands a chance!
Great Horned Owl by William KrumpelmanCarolina Raptor Center
Owls are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. With huge eyes, binocular vision, and asymmetrical ears, they can precisely pinpoint prey even in the dark!
Peregrine Falcon IV (2008-04-23/2008-04-23) by Lynn PilewskiCarolina Raptor Center
5. SPEED
Falcons are the fastest animals in the world! They can dive at speeds of 200 mph or 322 km/hr! And no, this falcon doesn't need a tissue - that little bone in its nostril is to help it breathe when it's shooting through the air at speeds over 3 times faster than a cheetah can run!
"Pishimakatoa," King Vulture (2016) by Carolina Raptor CenterCarolina Raptor Center
6. SMELL
Vultures have a super keen sense of smell! Just look at that fancy nose.
Leucistic Turkey Vulture, close-up by Bill MuggCarolina Raptor Center
Even though they have a hole straight through their nostrils, Turkey Vultures have a huge olfactory system (sense of smell) and can smell a dead animal from over a mile away! Also, although it isn't quite a superpower, vultures don't get enough credit for their pretty eyes.
Eastern Screech Owl Pair (2016) by Traer ScottCarolina Raptor Center
No matter what kind of raptor you identify with, you can find all of these impressive birds at the Carolina Raptor Center waiting to show off their superpowers!
What is your raptor avatar? Find out by taking our Buzzfeed quiz:
http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/learn/raptoravatarquiz/
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.