5 of 5 results for "raptors"
Student Article
Identification, Habitat, and Diet of the Golden Eagle, UK’s Majestic Raptor

The article "Identification, Habitat, and Diet of the Golden Eagle, UK’s Majestic Raptor" from BBC's Discover Wildlife provides an in-depth look at the golden eagle, the UK's second-largest bird of prey. It details the eagle's physical characteristics, including its dark brown plumage and golden nape, its primary habitats in the Scottish Highlands, and its varied diet consisting mainly of small to medium-sized mammals and birds.

News Clip
Someone's Targeting Britain's Birds of Prey — And Investigators Want To Know Who

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is investigating attacks on birds of prey, also called raptors. Raptors hunt and feed on other animals, but even though they're near the top of the food chain, one of their biggest threats is humans.

There have been reports of raptors found dead in suspicious circumstances or caught in illegal traps. Investigators are reviewing footage from cameras near some traps to help identify who's responsible. The traps themselves are legal when used correctly, and any animal that isn't the intended target must be released unharmed. But footage has shown some people mistreating or killing these protected birds instead.

Investigators believe money is behind some of the attacks. Raptors sometimes hunt game birds, which people also hunt for sport or profit. By illegally removing birds of prey, some people may be trying to leave more game birds available for shooting. Officials are struggling to find ways to reduce these attacks — fines and prosecution haven't been very effective so far. Some campaigners want stronger licensing rules for trap use, while others argue that would be hard to enforce and might not stop illegal attacks either.

Video
Swallow-Tailed Kites

In Swallow-Tailed Kites, these birds take a break in Florida to breed, feed, and rest before continuing on their journey to South America. This video is excerpted from BBC's Natural World: Florida - America's Animal Paradise, a series displaying Florida’s diverse wildlife and its resilience against increasing environmental threats.

Video
Meet the Mini but Mighty Microraptor

In Meet the Mini but Mighty Microraptor, naturalist Steve Backshall reveals the features that made this small, birdlike dinosaur surprisingly powerful. Plus, watch a real-life demonstration of the Microraptor’s incredible gliding abilities! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Deadly Dinosaurs, a documentary series in which host Steve Backshall is on the hunt for the deadliest animals to have walked the Earth — dinosaurs — exploring features of several species and putting their abilities to the test to reveal the raw power of these creatures.

Video
The Oddity of the Gigantoraptor

In The Oddity of the Gigantoraptor, naturalist Steve Backshall explores this unusual dinosaur, highlighting its birdlike features along with its exceptionally large and sturdy eggs. Plus, check out an experiment to test how much weight a Gigantoraptor egg might have been able to withstand. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Deadly Dinosaurs, a documentary series in which host Steve Backshall is on the hunt for the deadliest animals to have walked the Earth — dinosaurs — exploring features of several species and putting their abilities to the test to reveal the raw power of these creatures.