'" CARD 11 ]

SNOWY OWL
~ ~ _________________________________ G_R_O_U_P_2_:_B_IR_D_S __ ~
... ORDER
'IIIIIIIIIII Srigiformes
FAMilY
Strigidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Nyctea scandiaca
The snowy owl is one of the world's largest owls. It hunts
mainly during the twilight hours in the desolate and
bitterly cold Arctic tundra that is its home.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
length: 21-26 in. Female larger.
Wingspan: 60-65 in .
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2 years.
Breeding season: May-Sept.
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: 3-9, smooth, glossy, white.
Incubation: 30-33 days.
Fledging period: 43-50 days.
LIFESTYLE
Call: Breeding males, a loud,
booming hoot. Both sexes, a harsh
bark when defensive.
Habit: Hunts mainly at dawn and
dusk. Basically solitary.
Diet: Lemmings, small mammals,
ducks, other birds.
lifespan: Up to 15 years in the
wild, 28 years in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
No owls are closely related.
Range of the snowy owl.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds throughout the Arctic region, from Iceland and
Scandinavia to Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
CONSERVATION
Despite its protected status, the snowy owl is often threatened
when in contact with humans. Its population fluctuates, so its
number is hard to estimate.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE SEXES
Female: 20% larger than the male. Her
dark-flecked, white plumage provides
camouflage against the background of
partly melted snow and rocks, as she
lies flat on her nest in early summer.
I
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.. '
, .'
Courtship fl ight: Male holds wiriQs in
a "V" shape on each beat, causiri,Q
undulating flight.
L
Male: Plumage is
almost totally white,
.and can be seen
up to 11/4 miles
,'" away by his mate.
0160200031 PACKET 3a
The snowy owl lives mainly on lemmings.
When these tundra rodents are in short
supply, and when the Arctic winter is
exceptionally severe, this great white owl
migrates south in search of food.
CHARACTERISTICS
The snowy owl is the largest
bird in the Arctic region. The
male. is almost entirely white,
with a few dark markings
among his feathers. The
female has more dark feathers
than the male, concentrated
into barred markings on her
BREEDING
The male snowy owl has a
large territory, and, when
mating, his cries can be heard
six miles away in the thin
Arctic air. In protecting his
territory, he will sometimes
chase and fight with another
male in midair. A female, too,
will defend territory or a po-
tential mate against others of
her own sex.
The female makes a nest in
a hollow in the ground. Like
other species of owl, the
female snowy owl will stagger
her egg-laying. This gives the
older, stronger chicks the ad-
vantage in periods when food
wings, breast, and underside.
She has longer claws and can
be as much as one fifth larger
and one third heavier than the
male. This marked difference in
appearance between the sexes
is unique among owls.
is in short supply. They eat
most of the food their parents
bring to the nest and they
may even kill and eat their
younger, weaker nest mates.
The owlets hatch after a 30-
day incubation period, using
a temporary "egg tooth" to
FOOD & HUNTING
In the Arctic, the snowy owl
feeds mainly on lemmings
and an occasional mouse.
Elsewhere, it will eat rabbits,
hares, and birds. Unlike most
owls, the snowy owl rarely
hunts at night. It seeks its
prey in the twilight of early
morning and evening. It
seizes its prey with its sharp
claws, called talons.
The long Arctic winter
brings many hours of dark-
ness and numbing cold, but
the snowy owl's thick feathers
keep it well insulated and
warm. Food is scarce during
crack through the shell.
They are covered with thin,
white down which is soon
replaced by a coat of sooty
black down. At 43-50 days,
they can fly. After 60 days,
they are able to hunt for
themselves.
Right: There
are no trees in
the tundra, so
the nest is just a
depression in
the ground.
Left: A tem-
porary "egg
tooth " helps the
chick chip away
the shell.

The snowy owl is a wanderer,
moving south in winter when
the weather is harsh and prey
is scarce in the far north. At
intervals, the lemmings that
form the species' main prey
the harsh winter months in
the tundra, and the snowy
owl is capable of fasting for
up to 40 days at a time. It
survives on the thick deposits
of fat under its skin that it has
acquired during the summer
and further conserves its
energy by moving as little as
possible.
Above left: The snowy owl will
often hunt in broad daylight.
Right : This male carries a king
eider duck in his sharp talons.
suffer a dramatic and sudden
drop in their population, and
the snowy owls move much
further south. The owls
sometimes migrate as far as
the Caribbean Sea. They have
long been rare in Europe, but
careful protection enabled
one pair to breed successfully
in Scotland. In eight seasons,
they'd borne twenty-three
healthy young.
DID YOU KNOW?
Archaeologists have found
snowy owl bones in kitchen
waste thrown out by Neo-
lithic people. Today Eskimos
sometimes eat owl meat
when other food is scarce.
If a predator, such as a wolf
or an arctic fox, nears the
nest, the owls often attack
the intruder fearlessly,
swooping down on it and
striking it with their talons.
Sometimes a parent will feign
injury, dragging its wing
along the ground, to lure the
predator away from the eggs
or young.
BARN OWL
ORDER
Strigiformes
FAMILY
Tytonidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Tyto alba
The bam owl is a silent noctumal hunter. It has such an
acute sense of hearing that it can pinpoint the exact location
of its prey even on the darkest night.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 1 3-14 in.
Wing length: 12 in.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding habits: Courtship starts
in March. Couples mate for life.
Eggs: 4-7. Sometimes 2 broods.
Incubation: 33 days by female.
Fledging: 60 days.
LIFESTYLE
Diet: Mainly mice, voles, and
shrews. Also rats, sparrows, bats,
frogs, and large insects.
Lifespan: Average 2 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 9 species of barn
owl-some very rare-and
36 subspecies of Tyto alba
worldwide.
HOW THE BARN OWL HEARS
Distribution of the barn owl
DISTRIBUTION
Found on every continent except Antarctica.
CONSERVATION
Now a protected species. Farmers are being urged to leave
patches of rough land to encourage rodents; they are also
encouraged to supply breeding boxes or leave natural sites
undisturbed.
The barn owl has superb hearing, and a The ears are asymmetrically placed on
The very sensitive ears are surrounded
by small feathered flaps that can be
closed over the delicate inner parts if
noise levels rise too high. On still nights,
these flaps can be erected to catch the
minute squeaks and rustles of tiny prey
below.
large part of its brain is devoted to sorting the barn owl 's head. One is near the owl
out the auditory signals it picks up. equivalent of a forehead and the other is
level with the nostril.
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Barn owls can pinpoint the locations of
small creatures using their ears alone.
They are able to time the interval be-
tween the reception of the sound to each
ear, much as humans do, but with far
greater accuracy.
Ear opening
Ear opening Eye sockets
Nostrils
0160200441 PACKET 44
A change of climate in the northern regions of the
barn owl's habitat is causing snow to last for
longer periods in winter. Bad weather plays a
significant part in reducing the numbers of this
attractive nocturnal bird.
~ BREEDING
Because barn owls live just two
years, they usually breed only
once or twice. They mate for
life. Barn owls generally use a
nest site that's been occupied
by generations of barn owls
over many decades; still, every
year, the male goes through a
ritual courtship calling to
"show" the female the nest site.
Instead of building a nest,
the couple places their four to
A barn owl chick rests after
breaking out of its shell.
seven pure white eggs in a dark
space surrounded by pellets.
The female lays the eggs at
two-day intervals and incubates
them until early May, when their
staggered hatching relieves the
parents of the burden of feeding
all the hungry owlets at once.
The owlets grow gradually
bolder. After 60 days they are
fully fledged and able to hunt
their own food.
Barn owls prefer a warm climate
with mild winters. They don't,
:3 like many other birds, store
A 28-day-old chick. The white
down soon changes to buff.
; extra fat in their tissues to help
8 them survive harsh winter
Q)
~ weather, so many die during
freezing weather or are too
~ exhausted in the spring to
breed.
Barn owls make their homes
Barn owls are both rare and
nocturnal, so you are more
likely to see traces of the bird
than the bird itself. Daytime-
its inactive period-is the best
time to look.
Barn owl
pellets
contain
undigested
bones and fur.
Barn owl pellets are a sure
indication of the bird's pres-
ence. They cont ain unwanted
pieces of fur, bones, teeth, claws,
beaks, heads, and insect wing
cases that the owl can' t digest.
Two of these pellets are coughed
up each day through the mouth,
one at a feeding place and one
at the nest site.
in buildings, but they need
open grassland nearby for hunt-
ing. Until about 50 years ago,
the traditional farm was an ideal
habitat. Corn stored in barns
encouraged rodents to breed,
ensuring the barn owl a plenti-
ful supply of food. Nearby hay-
fields provided an unlimited
source of mice.
~ FOOD & HUNTI NG
Although barn owls mate for
life, they hunt alone. The barn
owl's eyes are specially adapted
to detect movement in grass-
land: they have extra light-
sensitive rods and cones in the
retinas, and their cylindrical
shape produces accurate tele-
scopic vision. In the dark the
barn owl relies almost totally on
its acute hearing.
The barn owl swoops silently
and plucks its victim away with
its large talons. Its downy
feathers help muffle the sound
of its movement, so the prey is
; unaware of the owl's approach.
8 Mice, voles, and shrews are
~ the owl's staples, but it will also
I lett: Over long distances, barn
~ owls carry prey in their beaks.
u.:
DI D YOU KNOW?
Barn owls don't "hoot " like
other owls. They make a hoarse
"khurrew" noise.
In Malaysia, where barn owls
were introduced to control
plagues of rats, each barn owl
family killed about 1,300 rats
a year.
Adult owls swallow prey
If you soak a pellet in water
for a few hours then gently pull
it apart with tweezers, you'll be
able to see the bones and fur
that the owl discarded from its
dinner.
catch other small rodents, spar-
rows, and bats. When other
food is scarce, barn owls will eat
frogs and large insects.
The owl takes its captured
prey to a favorite eating place.
During the breeding season the
male carries the food back to
the nest site.
Above: A barn owl swivels its
head to catch the slightest sound.
whole and head first. To feed
their young, they grip the prey
with their feet and tear it into
small pieces that the owlets can
swallow.
Most birds that live in holes,
cavities, or domed nests lay
white eggs, since there is no
need for camouflage.
"" CARD 13
TAWNY OWL
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
ORDER
Strigiformes
GENUS &: SPECIES
Although the tawny owl is a nocturnal animal and is rarely seen, its
distinctive 'hooting call is a familiar sound throughout its range and
serves to announce its territory.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 15-16 in.
Weight: 12-23 oz.
Wingspan: 37-41 in.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Breeding season: February to
June.
Eggs: 2-5, white. One brood.
Incubation period: 28-30 days.
Fledging: 32-37 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Mainly resident. Pairs for
life. Usually monogamous.
Diet: Small mammals, birds,
amphibians, worms, and beetles.
Lifespan: Up to 18 years old.
RELATED SPECIES
Two closely related species are the
Ural owl, Strix uralensis, and the
great gray owl, Strix nebuloso. Both
are larger than the tawny owl.
Range of the tawny owl.
DISTRIBUTION
Europe, except Iceland and northern Scandinavia. Parts of
northern Africa, western Soviet Union, Afghanistan, and
China.
CONSERVATION
Not uncommon over most of its range. Like many birds of
prey, it has suffered as a result of pesticides like DDT.
ADAPTATIONS OF THE TAWNY OWL
~
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The tawny owl is common throughout
Europe, where its coloring varies
from gray to reddish brown. A natural-born
hunter, it swoops swiftly on its prey
and can even catch a bat in flight.
~ HABITAT
Tawny owls are mainly
found on farmland and
woodland. They live in both
evergreen and deciduous
trees. In cities, they are often
found in wooded areas, such
as parks and cemeteries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tawny owls will breed in
conifer forests where the trees
are mature enough to provide
suitable nesting holes. The
recent increase in the planting
of conifers has been beneficial
to the tawny owl.
In addition to the hooting flush small birds and animals
call, tawny owls produce a out into the open where they
bubbling trill, a loud moan, can be caught.
and a hissing noise. There is a high death rate
Tawny owls will hover over among owlets since they are
~ FOOD & HUNTING
A nocturnal bird, the tawny
owl hunts at night. Its hearing
is so sharp that it can pinpoint
its prey without seeing it. Once
it locates its prey, it swoops
almost silently down from its
perch and seizes it.
The tawny owl's diet can
be quite varied and is depen-
dant upon its habitat. In
woodland areas, it eats mainly
small rodents, birds, shrews,
worms, and beetles. Owls that
live near ponds or creeks catch
fish.
In urban areas, the tawny
owl will eat a higher propor-
tion of small birds, such as
sparrows and starlings.
~ BREEDING
Tawny owls form mating
pairs and select nest sites in
the fall. A hole in a mature
deciduous tree is preferable,
but abandoned bird nests or
crevices in rocks or buildings
may also be used.
Before mating, the male
will court the female for
several weeks by bringing
her food. Mutual preening is
also common.
The female incubates two
to five eggs. Since she lays
the eggs one at a time, they
hatch at intervals.
Fledging takes about 5
weeks. The young are fed by
their parents until they are 2-
3 months old. They are
eventually turned out of the
nest and forced to find their
own territory.
bushes and undergrowth, forced to leave their nests Right: This owlet will be turned
out of the nest as soon as it
beating their wings loudly to soon after birth.
'--______________________ ~ becomes independent.
left: With its
sharp talons
outstretched,
the tawny owl
swoops down
on a field
mouse.
Below: Tawny
owls produce
pellets made of
the indigestible
parts of their
food, such as
bones, teeth,
fur, and
feathers. They
can be found
in or around
nests.
Tawny owls can be encour-
aged to nest in wooded
areas that are lacking in
mature trees if they are
provi ded with nesting boxes.
The boxes should have a
large opening at the front
and be large enough (30
inches deep with an 8x8
inch floor) to provide the
owl with plenty of nesting
space. Boxes should be
placed high on a tree trunk
in a posit ion where it is not
exposed to direct unli ght.
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY
ORDER
Pelecaniformes
FAMILY
Sulidae
CARD 14
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Sula nebouxii
The blue-footed booby is a goose-sized tropical seabird that breeds
on islands off the Pacific coast. It catches fish in spectacular
plunging dives beneath the surface of the waves.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 30-33 in. Females larger.
Weight: Males 3 lb. Females 4 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3-4 years.
Breeding season: Almost year-
round on Galapagos.
Eggs: 2-3.
Incubation: 41 days.
Fledging period: 102 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Feeds singly or communally.
Diet: Fish.
Call: Short, high-pitched squeaks.
lifespan: 1 7 or more years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 9 species of gannet and
booby-the gannet in temperate
waters, the boobies in tropical and
subtropical waters.
Range of the blue-footed booby.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds on arid islands in the Gulf of California, off the west
coast of Mexico, on islands along the coast of Ecuador and
northern Peru, and on many of the Galapagos Islands.
CONSERVATION
There are less than 40,000 breeding pairs, half of which live
on the Galapagos Islands, where the species is legally
protected. Egg collectors pose a minor threat elsewhere.
COURTSHIP DISPLAYS OF THE BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY
Courting rituals: The male parades
around his nesting territory, flaunting
his blue feet in an exaggerated, high-
stepping walk, and presents small
pieces of nest material to the female.
Flight display: The male also flashes
his feet at his mate in an airborne
"salute" while landing after making a
courtship flight over his territory.
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POinting display: Each bird
angles its bill to the sky and tilts
its wings around so that the upper
faces are angled forward. The male
then utters a thin, piercing whistle,
the female gives groaning calls.
Female
WF DM NC 20
The blue-footed booby is one of the world's most
comical-looking seabirds. It has dazzling blue
webbed feet, a cigar-shaped body, and long
pointed wings and tail. Its tapering, pointed bill
with serrated edges is ideal for grasping the
slippery fish that are its prey.
~ BREEDING
During the breeding season,
which is year-round, the
males stage elaborate
courtship displays (see back
page). After mating, two to
three eggs are laid in a
shallow depression on flat or
gently sloping ground. Both
male and female take turns
incubating the eggs.
Unlike most birds, the blue-
footed booby-along with its
relatives the gannet, the
cormorant, the tropicbird,
and the pelican-lacks
patches of bare skin, called
brooding patches, that serve
to transmit heat from the
bird's body to the eggs.
Instec;ld, the booby incubates
the eggs beneath its broad,
webbed feet. The feet have
an increased blood supply
which conveys heat to the
eggs, maintaining a constant
temperature of 103 F.
When the chicks start to
hatch, the booby supports the
eggs on the tops of its feet.
The chicks, which have only a
sparse covering of down, are
brooded here. Chicks feed
from b.oth the male and the
female, thrusting their bills
inside their parents' to obtain
regurgitated fish. The male
brings in a constant supply of
small fish for the chicks, who
must be fed continually. If
food is scarce, the largest of
the chicks will be fed at the
expense of the survival of its
smaller, weaker nest mates.
This behavior ensures that at
least one chick in each brood
will survive. If more food is
available, all the chicks may
survive.
r DID YOU KNOW?
The name "booby" comes
from the Spanish word bobo
which means "stupid fellow."
The blue-footed booby is so
called because its lack of fea r
and its clumsiness on land
have made it easy prey for
man.
The pupils in the female's
eyes appear larger than the
~ CHARACTERI STI CS
The blue-footed booby has
brown and white plumage that
greatly contrasts with its bright
blue feet and greenish-gray bill.
Its head is pale brown and
streaked with whitish feathers .
Top left: Boobies congregate on
Baltra Island, Galapagos.
male's. This is an illusion-the
female has rings of dark pig-
ment around her pl.lpils that
make them look bigger.
The blue-footed booby likes
plenty of space around its
nest, but its relative the
gannet may pack as many as
seven nests in a square yard at
its breeding colony.
Like the many other animals
of the Galapagos Islands, the
blue-footed booby is remarka-
bly tame. As a result, it is one
of the most photographed of
all the islands' bird species.
Right: Sun-baked islands form
the booby's breeding grounds.
Left and
below: The
booby
incubates its
eggs with the
warm blood
supply in the
webbing of its
blue feet. The
chicks will sit
on the parents'
feet until they
are about a
month old,
when they will
be able to
control their
own body
temperature.
FOOD & FEEDING
The blue-footed booby spends
much of its time gliding
purposefully over the water, bill
angled downward, watching
the surface for signs of fish. It
can dive from heights of up to
80 feet. Streaking downward at
great speed, with wings angled
in close to its body, it hits the
water with barely a splash and
resurfaces several yards away
with its catch. Sometimes it will
catch flying fish in midair.
Unlike other boobies, the blue-
footed booby will also catch
fish by diving below the water
from a swimming position on
the surface.
Although it feeds alone, the
bird will cooperate within a
flock of boobies to hunt fish.
The first bird to spot a fish gives
a single whistle as a rallying
call; the rest of the group
follows the first as it dives into
the water. Their movements
are perfectly synchronized.
The blue-footed booby
feeds mainly in the early
morning and late afternoon,
possibly to avoid the atten-
tion of the frigatebird, who
might steal its food.
The male booby is adapted
for catching one size of prey
while the female is adapted
for another. The lighter, more
maneuverable male can dive
into extremely shallow water
in order to catch relatively
small fish. The much heavier
female catches larger fish
further offshore in deeper
water. Between them they
can exploit a wide variety of
prey.
"'" CARD 15
PEL'S FISHING OWL
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ORDER
Strigiformes
.. FAMILY
~ Strigidae
.. GENUS &: SPECIES
~ ScotopeJia peJi
Among the world's largest owls, Pel's fishing owl is
one of seven species of owl that feed on fish. It ;s found
along rivers throughout most of Africa.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 20-24 in.
Wingspan: Average 60 in .
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Not known.
Mating: Varies from region to region.
Eggs: Usually 2, white.
Incubation: About 32 days.
Fledging: About 10 weeks. Adult
plumage not complete until 15
months.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Nocturnal. Forms long-lasting
pair bonds.
Diet: Fish, including pike, bream,
and catfish. Also occasionally frogs,
crabs, and mussels.
Lifespan: Not known.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 3 species of African
fishing owl in the genus Scotopelia,
and 4 species of Asian fish owl in
the genus Ketupa.
Range of Pel's fishing owl.
DISTRIBUTION
Found along rivers in many areas scattered throughout
Africa, south of the Sahara.
CONSERVATION
Although quite common in some areas, it is scarce in many
others. Habitat destruction, such as drainage projects and the
building of dams, and river pollution pose a threat to some
fishing owl populations.
IDENTIFYING PEL'S FISHING OWL
Since this owl hunts its prey by sight
rather than by sound, it lacks the distinct
round facial discs and asymmetrical ears
which help its relatives to pinpoint sounds
with such accuracy. It also lacks the soft
plumage and silent flight of most owls.
The barn owl has feathered feet as
there is little risk of their getting dirty.
Pel 's fishing owl has unfeathered
feet to avoid collecting debris.
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eagles, fishing
owls catch their
prey by snatching
it from the surface
of the water,
rather than by
plunging into the
water.
us P 6001 12012 PACKET 12
A huge, impressive-looking bird with
rich orange-red plumage, Pel's fishing owl is
found at sea-level river mouths and along
rivers at altitudes of up to 5,600 feet.
The large, loose feathers on its head, neck,
and flank give it a shaggy appearance.

Pel's fishing owl inhabits
rivers in lowland areas. It
prefers stretches of water
located near bankside trees.
They provide ideal sites for
nesting, as well as for perch-
es from which the owl can
hunt. The dense cover of the
trees makes for good roost-
ing sites during the day.
Fishing owl pairs rarely
move far from their territory,
except when changes in water
level make it difficult for them
to hunt fish. Then the owls are
forced to find their prey in
nearby swamps, flood plains,
or sections of the river called
oxbow lakes, that become cut
off from the main flow.
FOOD & HUNTING
Pel's fishing owl emerges from
its daytime roost at dusk and
perches on a branch or sand-
bank. From this vantage point,
it watches for the slightest
ripple in the water that may in-
dicate the presence of a fish. It
quickly swoops down and
attempts to catch the fish,
snatching it in a viselike grip
with its long, curved talons.
The fishing owl usually eats its
prey head first.
As dawn approaches, the
owl returns to its roost. Here it
sleeps through the day, unless
disturbed, in which case it will
fly off to another roost or perch
in the open. It is rarely active in
the daytime, except when a
river dries up and it is forced to
move elsewhere to find food.
Right: Spines on the undersides
of the fishing owl's feet help it to
grip a slippery catfish.

At the start of the breeding
season, particularly on moonlit
nights, the male calls to the
female by hooting, and then
with a low grunting sound.
The female answers with a
higher-pitched hoot.
Once paired, the owls
choose a hollow high up in a
large riverside tree in which the
female will lay her eggs. They
do not build a nest, but the
fallen leaves or bark flakes in
the hollow provide a soft place
for the eggs.
Breeding is timed so that the
young develop during the dry
season when fish are plentiful.
The female survives on food
brought to her by the male
while she incubates the eggs.
Right: Two
chicks may
hatch up to
five days apart.
As with many
birds of prey,
the smaller and
weaker of the
two often
starves soon
after hatching.
The survivor
opens its eyes
at about one
week, and two
weeks later its
whole body is
covered with
pale brown,
downy feath-
ers.Atl0
weeks the
young bird is
ready to fly.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pel's fishing owl is named
after the Dutch naturalist, H.S.
Pel, who identified the species
in the mid-nineteenth century.
The mating hoots of the
male fishing owl can be heard
two miles away.
Pel's fishing owl's scientific
name comes from the Greek
skotos, or darkness, and peleio,
meaning wood pigeon.
If a predator appears, the
parents of a young Pel's fish-
ing owl will distract it away
from their offspring.
The world's largest owl is
Blakiston's fishing owl, found
in the U.S.S.R., Manchuria,
and Japan. It is 28 inches long
and has a wingspan of six feet.
PEREGRINE FALCON
The peregrine falcon is one of the larger species of falcon.
It is an extremely strong flyer and can catch its prey with deadly
accuracy, diving through the air with amazing speed.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 15-18 in.
Wingspan: 37-43 in.
Weight: Males, 20-26 oz. Females,
30-45 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 years.
Breeding season: March to May.
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: 3-4 in clutch; white with
reddish brown blotches.
Incubation: 29-32 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary. Fast-flying hunter
of other birds. Pairs for life.
Diet: Mainly other birds.
lifespan: Estimated at about 20
years in the wild.
~ RELATED SPECIES
00 The subspecies of peregrine vary
enormously. The largest are found
in Artie regions and the smallest in
desert areas.
COURTSHIP FEEDING
As part of the peregrine falcon's courtship
behavior, the male passes prey to the
female, often whil e in flight. To make thi s
maneuver possible, the female rolls over
in midair to take the food from the male's
talons.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

Resident
peregrines
DISTRIBUTION
Wintering
areas
Breeding
grounds
Found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and
Australia.
CONSERVATION
The peregrine, like most of the larger falcons, has become
endangered. Individual birds nesting in vulnerable areas are
sometimes guarded by volunteers.
Male
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200041 PACKET 4
The peregrine falcon is a majestic animal, and a top
predator among birds of prey. But it is now endangered
because of persecution by hunters and egg collectors. It
is also suffering from the deadly effects of pesticides,
which diminish its breeding success.

The peregrine falcon
generally inhabits open
country such as prairie and
semidesert, where prey is
easy to spot. In the United
States, the falcon is most
common in mountainous
areas where there are rocky
crags on which to breed.
Cliffs and quarries also
provide suitable nesting
sites.
DID YOU KNOW?
Peregrine falcons have eyes
that are larger than human
eyes; they can spot their prey
from a height of 1,000 feet.
The male peregrine falcon
is known as a tiercel because
it is a third (a tierce) smaller
in size than the female.
In winter, peregrine falcons
may also frequent lakes and
rivers. It can also be found far
out at sea, on its route to or
from its feeding areas. The
scientific name of the
peregrine falcon, peregrinus,
is Latin for "foreign" or
"wanderer."
Below: A female with young
calls to its mate for food.
In the United States the
peregrine falcon is often
called the "duck hawk"
because it feeds on ducks.
Peregrines were deliberately
shot during World War" so
they wouldn't catch carrier
pigeons.
Peregrine falcons mate for life
and usually breed on high, in-
accessible cliffs and rocky
crags. Paired birds often return
to the same eyrie (nest) each
year.
The falcons do not build nests,
but rather use existing vegeta-
tion in which to lay the eggs.
Egg-laying begins in the
spring, and three to four
eggs is the usual number in
a clutch. Incubation begins
after the last egg is laid, and
it is the female who spends
the most time raising the
chicks.
Below: Two-month-old chicks in
their cliff-top eyrie.
FOOD &: HUNTING
The peregrine falcon's main
prey consists of other birds,
ranging in size from the small
skylark to larger birds like the
pigeon and grouse. However,
the peregrine falcon has been
known to feed on rabbits or
even bats. In winter, when the
falcons hunt along waterways,
they feed on gulls, waders, and
ducks. The peregrine falcon
most often swoops down and
Left: Peregrine plucking feathers
off a captured common pigeon.
grabs its prey while in flight.
It sometimes catches birds
on the ground or in low-
lying vegetation.
On the average, a pere-
grine falcon needs 3 '/2
ounces of food a day. When
there are young to feed, it
requires more. During the
breeding season, it may
need to travel widely to find
enough food. Its territory
can range from 25-125
square miles.
PEREGRINE FALCON &: MAN
The peregrine falcon is particu-
larly sensitive to
pollutants because it is higher
on the food chain and,
consequently, ingests more of
the toxins found in its prey.
The pesticide DDT, in particu-
lar, has caused a great reduc-
tion in its numbers by affecting
the falcon's breeding success.
The best ti me t o spot pere-
grine falcons is in spring, when
the birds can be seen breeding
on rocky ledges and cliffs or
soari ng in circles overhead.
They are recognizable by their
bullet-shaped bodies and
broad, pointed wi ngs.
Birds would break their own
eggs in the nest because of
thin shells caused by the
excess of poison in their
tissues.
The use of DDT is now
prohibited and, although
egg collectors still persecute
the peregrine, its numbers
are beginning to increase.
In the fall, peregrine
falcons can be spotted on
Padre Island, Texas, and
Hawk Mountai n, Pennsylva-
nia. In spri ng, they can be
seen in t he Brigant ine
Nat ional Wildlife Refuge,
New jersey.
~ CARD 17
WINTER WREN
'\. GROUP 2: BIRDS
' \ . ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
~
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Troglodytidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Troglodytes troglodytes
The tiny winter wren has distinctive tail feathers
that point upward and, although it is one of the smaller birds,
it has a particularly loud song.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 4 in.
Wingspan: 5 in.
Weight: Up to 1/2 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: April to July.
No. of broods: 1-2.
Eggs: 5-6. White, spotted brown.
Incubation: 14-15 days.
Fledging period: 16-1 7 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Roosts communally in cold
weather.
Diet: Mainly insects and spiders.
Lifespan: 6 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are more than 60 species in
the wren family, which originates
in North America. The largest is the
8-inch-long cactus wren that is
found in the southwestern United
States and Mexico.
Range of the winter wren.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread throughout North America, Europe, North
Africa, and northern Asia.
CONSERVATION
The winter wren is common in North America where plenty
of forest habitat remains in its breeding and wintering
regions.
FEATURES OF THE WINTER WREN
The wren's tiny size, cocked tail, and busy
darting movements are the best visual
guides to its identification. Despite its
small size, it has a remarkably loud, trilling
song. Adult male and female birds look
alike. Juveniles are a lighter color than
adults.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A
The nest is built
by the male, who
may build several
during a breeding
season. It is lined
by the female.
The five to six
eggs are white
with reddish
brown spots.
0160200151 PACKET 15
The winter wren is found in woods,
bushes, and cultivated areas-it can adapt
to almost any habitat that has thick vegetation
and plentiful food. Despite its unique
markings and busy manner, it is a shy bird
and is difficult to spot.
Winter wrens are found in
great numbers in a variety of
habitats, including woodland,
open land, rocky areas, and
marshes. Like many species of
woodland bird, the wren has
adapted to living in populated
areas where there is enough
vegetation to provide cover.
Still, they are not as common
in urban areas as they are in
the country.
Winter wrens have difficulty
surviving through cold wea-
ther. Prolonged periods of
subzero temperatures cause
their small bodies to lose heat
quickly, and the snow-
covered ground makes it dif-
ficult for them to find food.
One way in which wrens
attempt to survive in winter is
by communal roosting. Just
before dusk wrens gather by
attracting one another with
their loud calls. One by one
they enter the roost site-
under the roof of a building
or in an abandoned bird nest.
Right: The wren can adapt to
almost any habitat that has thick
vegetation and plentiful food.
~ BREEDING
A male wren is extremely terri-
torial and claims his territory by
singing loudly from a perch
among the tree branches. He is
most vocal in March, when
mating season begins.
At this time the male wren
builds several nests in his terri-
tory. A female selects one and
lines it in preparation for laying
her eggs. The nests are usually
hidden in a bush, a hole in a
wall, or a crack in a tree trunk.
In more exposed habitats, a
clump of grass or other vege-
tation is used. However, as the
human population expands,
more wrens live in sheds and
outbuildings in urban areas.
The female lays and incubates
her eggs in April. When the
young hatch, the male helps to
feed t hem.
A male wren often has more
than one mate, especially if
he has a large territory. Each
female that he mates with
chooses a different nest within
his territory.
Right: The
clutch of five to
six eggs takes
about two
weeks to
hatch. Both
parents feed
the young.
Far left: The
wren spends
most of its time
searching for
food.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
Winter wrens feed mainly on
insect larvae, small beetles,
craneflies, mosquitoes, ants,
aphids, and spiders. They also
eat the pupae (immature
insects in the cocoon stage)
of butterflies and moths.
They occasionally eat small
slugs and snails as well as
small fish and tadpoles.
The tiny birds forage ex-
haustively for food by look-
ing among all the vegetation
they can find . They make
quick darting movements
when they look for food.
Left: The male
often builds
more than one
nest. The
dome-shaped
structure is
built from
various plant
materials,
including moss,
grass, and
leaves, and is
lined by the
female with
feathers.
Above: Insects and their larvae
are the wren 's main food.
BIRDWATCH
Winter wrens are found
throughout most of eastern
North America but, because
they are so small and stay
well hidden, they are difficult
to observe.
Wrens are usually found
fai rly close to the ground in
bushes, trees, and under-
growth. Wooded areas,
where the bi rds tend to stay
cl ose to the edges of fl ower
beds and bushes, are t he best
pl aces to watch for them.
Because their di et consists
of insects, it is difficult to
provide food for them in a
bird feeder. Stil l, they do eat
grated cheese and soft pet
food if it is sprinkled on the
ground near their feeding
areas. Alternatively, if you
sweep leaves and twigs into
a corner in t he fall and turn
them over in the wint er, the
wrens can feed on the nu-
merous insects that have
gathered there.
DID YOU KNOW?
In North America the
winter wren migrates south
at the end of the summer.
Unlike most bird species, it
is the male wren, rather than
the female, that builds the
nest.
As many as 60 wrens have
been counted sharing a
single nest in a severe winter.
Wrens have been said to
ride on the backs of eagles
and then fly off when the
larger bi rds grew tired.
SULPHUR-CRESTED
COCKATOO
~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
.,. ORDER
"IIIIIIIIIII Psittaciformes
FAMILY
Cacatuidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Cacatua gaierita
CARD--,-g l
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of Australia's best -known birds.
Its reputation worldwide as a good-natured pet contrasts with its
wary nature in the wild.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 18-20 in.
Weight: 3-3
1
/2 oz.
BREEDING
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: 2, occasionally 3, white,
oval.
Incubation: 30 days.
Fledging period: 60-70 days.
LIFESTYLE
Voice: A variety of very loud,
raucous screeches.
Habit: Active by day; in pairs or
small groups.
Diet: Seeds, roots, bulbs, nuts; also
some insects and their larvae.
Lifespan: In captivity, 50 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 1 7 other species of
cockatoo, including the lesser
sulphur-crested cockatoo and the
blue-eyed cockatoo.
Range of the sulphur-crested cockatoo.
. DISTRIBUTION
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is found in most types of open,
forested country throughout northern, eastern, and south-
eastern Australia, and some offshore islands.
CONSERVATION
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is widespread and common
throughout most of its range. It is a protected species in
most Australian states.
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO'S
SENTINEL WARNING SYSTEM
In southern Australia, where sulphur-crested cockatoos
live in large flocks, the bird has evolved a warning
system to avoid being caught by predators.
gather on the
g round to feed
on seeds, nuts,
and berries.
if MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
As the main flock
feeds, a sentine_I _____ _
bird perched in
the trees warns of
fmpending danger
wi th a loud
screech.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200091 PACKET 9
The sulphur-crested cockatoo is
noisy and conspicuous. With its
white plumage and yellow crest gleaming
in the sun, it provides one of the most
spectacular sights to be
seen in Australia.
~ CHARACTERISTICS
The sulphur-crested cocka-
too is familiar throughout
many parts of Australia. It
lives in most types of open
wooded country, preferring
trees along rivers and other
waterways. It has also
become widespread on
farmland and in urban parks
and gardens.
In the southern part of its
range, the sulphur-crested
cockatoo gathers in large
flocks, except during the
breeding season. Some
flocks contain hundreds of
birds, which cover the ground
like a blanket of snow. In
northern Australia, the birds
remain in pairs or small
groups throughout the year.
Each group of sulphur-
crested cockatoos has a
favorite roosting site, usually
in a dead tree that is isolated
in open country or towers
above others in a forest.
Cockatoos usually spend
mornings searching the
ground for seeds and other
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The sulphur-crested cockatoo
feeds on a wide variety of
seeds, as well as nuts, berries,
fruits, flowers, corn, and some
insects and their larvae.
In grain-growing areas, they
aggravate farmers by devour-
ing newly sown seed and
young crops. The damage they
Above: A hole in the dead trunk
of a eucalyptus tree is an ideal
nest site.
food. Toward noon the birds
seek the shade of surrounding
trees, where they amuse
themselves by stripping off
bark and leaves. In the cool of
the afternoon they return to
the ground to feed, and at
dusk they fly home to roost.
A flock of cockatoos will
return to the same feeding
grounds every day until the
food supply is exhausted.
do may be exaggerated, and
they are helpful to farmers in
that they eat weed seeds and
pests, including the eggs of
the plague locust.
Right: A large group of sulphur-
crested cockatoos gathers to
feed.
~ BREEDING
Sulphur-crested cockatoos
have brief, simple courtships.
The male struts along a
branch toward his prospec-
tive mate with his crest raised,
bobbing his head while utter-
ing soft, chattering calls. Be-
fore mating, the birds gently
preen each other's plumage.
The sulphur-crested cocka-
too makes its nest in a hole or
hollow branch of a tree, or in
a high and inaccessible part
DID YOU KNOW?
The oldest captive bird in
the world was Cocky, a
sulphur-crested cockatoo
who died in the London Zoo
at the age of 82.
A cockatoo uses its distinc-
tive crest to show fear, ag-
gression, and sexual arousal.
of a riverside cliff.
The female lays two (rarely
three) eggs on a pile of wood
dust at the bottom of the
hole. Both parents brood the
eggs, remaining very quiet to
avoid attracting the attention
of predators.
Below: Prior to mating and as
part of their courtship ritual,
these beautiful birds spend time
preening each other's feathers.
The largest cockatoo is the
palm (or great black) cocka-
too. It also has the largest
beak.
Both the Latin and com-
mon names Cacatua and
cockatoo come from the
Malayan word kakatoe, in
The sulphur-crested cockatoo
is one of the most popular of
all pet birds and has been
kept as a pet by man since
the 19th century. Many are
superb mimics of human
speech. Still, the sulphur-
crested cockatoo can produce
harsh, ear-splitting screeches
early in the morning or when
alarmed.
The best type of bi rd to be
kept as a pet is one that has
been bred in captivity, not
removed from the wild. The
pet bird trade (together with
destruction of habitats) poses
the biggest threat to wild
cockatoos.
The sulphur-crested cocka-
too is protected in nearly all
Australian states, although
permits to shoot them are
issued to farmers in crop-
growing areas. The cockatoo
has become a familiar sight in
some urban areas.
imitation of the birds' calls.
The only difference in
'appearance between the males
and females is their eye color:
dark brown for males, reddish-
brown or deep red for females.
MANDARIN DUCK
ORDER
Anseriformes
FAMILY
Anatidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Aix ga/ericu/ata
The male mandarin duck is much more colorful
than its mate. It is easily distinguished from the female
by its bright red bill and more prominent markings.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 16-19 in.
Wingspan: 27-29 in.
Weight: Male, 22 oz. Female,
18 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: April to May.
Eggs: 9-12, white.
Incubation period: 29-30 days.
Fledging period: 40-45 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Shy but social; feeds by
dabbling.
Diet: Seeds, nuts, and occasionally
snails and insects.
Lifespan: 3-6 years in the wild.
Captive birds up to 12 years.
RELATED SPECIES
One of 13 species of perching
duck. Closest relative is the wood
duck, Aix sponsa, from North
America.
Native range of the mandarin duck.
DISTRIBUTION
Found scattered throughout eastern Asia, the Soviet Union,
and China. Most found now in Japan and England, which
have populations of 5,000 and 1,000 pairs, respectively.
CONSERVATION
Destruction of the mandarin duck's habitat and persecu-
tion by hunters and collectors have caused the native
Asian population to decrease significantly.
FEATURES OF THE MANDARIN DUCK
The female's distinct shape and
narrow, striped eye marking make
her easy to identify.
During breeding season the male
has a striking plumage of various
colors, as well as conspicuous
chestnut-orange cheek feathers.
The downy hatchlings remain in their
tree nest only a few days before
jumping down to the ground.
I ~ " V
1// I l' /
{hi I.
I V '
. ,
,MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U,S,A 0160200161 PACKET 16
Mandarin ducks were once exported from China
by the thousands to decorate private lakes and ponds
in Europe, but some birds escaped. Now, with
widespread destruction of its natural Asian
habitat threatening the duck's survival, descendants
of the escaped ducks may save the species.
~ HABI TS
In its native Asian habitat the
shy mandarin duck lives in
small groups near wooded
rivers and lakes. It prefers
areas that have dense under-
growth, where it can enter
and leave the water unseen.
In late summer it moves to
nearby flooded rice fields and
marshes in search of food.
The mandarin duck is most
active in the morning and
evening, when it travels to
~ FOOD & FEEDING
Although the mandarin duck is
primarily herbivorous (plant
eating), it also eats insects and
animals such as snails and
small fish. In late summer Asian
mandarin ducks flock to raid
rice and wheat fields.
Mandarin ducks are very
and from nearby lakes and
rivers to feed. The duck's days
are spent at the water's edge
or perched in bankside trees.
It is as much at ease on land
as it is in the water.
Where the mandarin duck
is kept in captivity, it has be-
come less shy and more
tolerant of human activity.
Right: In the fall the male
grows colorful feathers to
attract a mate.
buoyant, so they swim on the
water's surface. They feed by
dabbling in the water with
their bills and by upending
themselves to reach water
plants.
Below: A male mandarin duck
dabbles at the water's edge.
During breeding season the
male's plumage becomes espe-
cially colorful to help it attract
a mate. The male competes
with other males for the avail-
able females. After she selects a
mate, the female swims close
to him. They develop a close
bond by preening each other
as they swim.
The female chooses the nest
site and lays one egg per day
for 9 to 12 days in mid-April.
She incubates the clutch alone.
Within several days of their
hatching, the female leads her
ducklings to the nearest suit-
able food supply. Although the
ducklings become indepen-
dent six weeks later, they
remain in the area until the
next breeding season.
Above: The
female chooses
the nest site
and incubates
the eggs alone.
left: Newly
hatched chicks
are ready to
jump out of
their nest.
darin duck can be seen in zoos.
It is also popular for private
collections. Although pairs of
mandarin ducks have e caped
from captivity, they have not
become established in the wild
in North America.
The adult male is impossible
to mistake for any other Amer-
ican duck. But the adult female
mandarin closely resembles the
female wood duck, since both
have white eye markings.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pairs of caged mandarin
ducks were once given to
Chinese newlyweds as a sym-
bol of marital fidelity. But in
fact, the ducks do not pair for
life; they find new mates
each fall.
When males molt (shed
their feathers), they resemble
females, but they are still rec-
ognizable by their red bills.
The female mandarin duck
has only one working ovary.
If it fails, the other ovary
develops into a male sex
organ and the bird becomes
a non-breeding male.
The mandarin is the only
species of duck that cannot
interbreed with other ducks
because it has a different
number of chromosomes.
BLUE 61 YELLOW MACAW
ORDER
Psittaciformes
FAMILY
Psittacidae
GENUS fir SPECIES
Ara ararauna
The colorful blue and yel/ow macaw lives in the forests of
Central and South America, yet remarkably little is known
about its life in the wild.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Body to tip of tail, 33 in.
Tail, 20 in.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3-4 years.
Nest site: In cavity, high up in a
tree.
No. of eggs: 2, white.
Incubation: About 25 days.
Fledging: 3 months.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable; roosts and feeds in
flocks.
Diet: Nuts, fruits, seeds, berries.
lifespan: Up to 50 years in
captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
There are currently 1 7 species of
macaw. Some have become
extinct, such as the Cuban macaw,
which became extinct in 1864.
Range of the blue and yellow macaw.
DISTRIBUTION
In forests from Panama to the northern tip of Argentina, but
they are absent from most of Venezuela and to the west of
the Andes.
CONSERVATION
Threatened by loss of habitat and by the zoo and pet trade.
The survival of all macaws is threatened to some extent, and
some are probably close to extinction.
FEATURES OF THE BLUE AND YELLOW MACAW
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
The macaw has a
massive beak
which is hinged to
allow it to crush
the toughest nuts.
The macaw also
uses its beak to
help it climb.
Its feet have toes
that pOint forward
and backward,
which enables it to
grasp food and to
grip while climb-
ing. The long tail
is used for
balance.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200051 PACKET 5
Uniquely adapted to life in the forest,
the macaw's blue and yellow feathers actually
help to conceal it in the bright sunlight of its forest
habitat. A strong flyer, it travels with steady,
shallow wingbeats that carry it rapidly
through the trees.
~ HABITAT
The blue and yellow macaw
lives in forests that grow in
swampy ground or along
rivers. A wary bird, the ma-
caw usually avoids human
contact; macaws have de-
clined or disappeared al-
together in populated areas.
~ BREEDING
Very little is known about the
breeding habits of the blue
and yellow macaw in the
wild. They spend the ma-
jority of their time in flocks.
It is believed that macaws do
not breed until they are 3-4
years old. They probably pair
for life.
The birds nest high above
the ground in cavities found
in large, dead trees. Only
two eggs are laid, and it is
In the forest, macaws can
be found in communal
roosting sites at night. At
dawn, they leave their roosts
to bask in the sun and feed.
The macaw's plumage blends
in with the rays of sunlight
and the blue sky.
thought that the female
incubates them. However,
both the male and female
aggressively defend the eggs.
When the young hatch, they
are blind and featherless. They
do not develop their full
plumage until they are at least
10 weeks old. After they grow
feathers, or fledge, they remain
with their parents for several
months before becoming
independent.
Left: Macaws
are thought to
pair for life.
Strong pair
bonding is
reinforced by
mutual
preening and
displays of
affection.
Right: A
macaw in its
true home-
the trees of the
tropical forest.
DID YOU KNOW?
Blue and yellow macaws fly
as far as 15 miles to feed.
Macaws belong to the
parrot family which numbers
328 species. Most macaws
live in tropical or subtropical
regions.
The largest species of
macaw is the hyacinth macaw,
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. It
is 3 feet long from head to tail
tip. The red-shouldered macaw
is the smallest species, measur-
ing only 12 inches.
Different species of macaw
eat different food.
~ FOOD &; FEEDING
Blue and yellow macaws are
completely dependent on trees
for their food, which includes
fruits, seeds, berries, and nuts.
In their tropical and subtropi-
cal habitats, different trees bear
crops at different times of the
year, so food is always plenti-
ful. Large flocks often travel
great distances each day for
~ MACAW&MAN
Most macaws have long been
imported to Europe and North
America to be sold as pets. This
has had a serious effect on the
wild population; some species
are already extinct.
Collectors often cut down
trees so they can take young
ample food supply.
The macaws most likely
learn how to find food areas
in the appropriate season by
following older, more experi-
enced individuals in the flock.
Below: The macaw's powerful
bill can crack the toughest nuts,
enabling it to exploit a food
source other birds cannot.
macaws from their nests. But
the birds are often killed in
the process.
But the greatest threat to
the macaw's survival is the
destruction of its habitat as
forests are cut down to clear
land for agriculture.