Raptor Pictures
| Raptor Species American Bald Eagle American Kestrel Burrowing Owl Cooper's Hawk Marsh Hawk Osprey Red-tailed Hawk Snowy Owl |
Most raptors are considered indicator species because they occupy a top spot in their ecosystem food chain. The rise and decline of raptor populations often coincides with ecosystem changes. The introduction of the pesticide DDT into raptor ecosystems is one of the most common examples cited to explain the issue.
The first green revolution that emerged after WWII promoted the noble cause of increasing global food supplies. Pesticide use became incorporated into mainstream crop management strategy. Once the pesticides were introduced, non-target species such as lizards and rodents also slowly absorbed them by eating the insects. Over time, raptors that preyed on the lizards and snakes began accumulating pesticides in their bodies, causing reproduction problems. The DDT in their system caused a chemical reaction that ended with the production of egg shells too weak to survive the incubation period.
Not all ecosystem changes are harmful to raptors. For example, wildlife biologists commonly cite the positive benefits that accrue to raptor populations following forest fires. Fires clear out brush that traditionally protects smaller reptiles and mammals from the raptor's keen eyes. More prey commonly leads to more raptors.
Raptor populations are small compared to other bird species. As a group they have adapted to a variety of habitats, making it relatively easy for anyone to observe and photograph at least a couple of local species. Peregrine falcons might exemplify raptor adaptability. Numerous reports and pictures of peregrine falcon nests on tall buildings in large metropolitan areas across the United States have been reported in the past decade.
The article, types of raptors provides additional information. Please see the Types of Birds section for information about species in other bird families.