Land Birds: Raptors

Vultures, Owls

California Condor is massive in size and extremely rare. It was rescued from extinction by conservation efforts and captive-bred birds have been released at a number of sites. Generally, vulture populations world-wide are declining. New World vultures (Turkey & Black Vultures) are considered more closely related to storks than to hawks and eagles.

Owls (19 species) forage mainly by perching and watching for prey. Great Horned Owls will take rabbit-sized mammals and waterfowl. The diminutive Elf Owl eats insects.

Most owls nest in cavities, with the exception of the Burrowing Owl. Although no one major factor has been implicated in the decline of the Burrowing Owl, the cumulative effects of human activities have undoubtedly taken a major toll. Historically, in many parts of the west and south, this species depended on colonies of burrowing mammals such as prairie dogs for nests sites. Agriculture has adversely impacted Burrowing Owl populations by reducing nest burrow availability.