Diurnal Raptors of Galapagos

Category: Diurnal Raptors
Endemic subspecies: Galapagos Hawk

Just three species of diurnal (or day-flying) raptor birds have been recorded in Galapagos, one of which is an endemic resident. Each of the species represents a different group. The most commonly seen of these species in a Galapagos cruise is the Galapagos Hawk.

OSPREY

Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus
Family: Pandionidae

Length: 60 cm (23.6 in)
Wingspan: 150 cm (59 in)

The Osprey is a large, broad-winged bird of prey with a hooked bill, powerful legs and feet, and sharp, curved talons. They feed exclusively on fish and have reversible outer toes and spiny foot pads which help them grasp their slippery prey. They are readily identified by their white under parts and dark upper parts. The sexes are alike and immature plumages resemble adult plumage.

Identification: A large, long-winged raptor with unmistakable combination of white underparts and brown upperparts; conspicuous black line through eye contrasts with white throat and pale crown; legs grey. In flight, underwings pale with obvious dark mark in carpal area; wings are held noticeably angled and often rather arched, reminiscent of a large gull.

Behavior: Feeds exclusively on fish which are caught by plunge-diving, feet-first.

PEREGRINE FALCON

 

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
Family: Falconidae

Length: 39 - 50 cm (15.4 - 19.7 in)
Wingspan: 95 -115 cm (37 - 45 in)

Falcons are medium-sized birds of prey with long, pointed wings which are often held angled at the wrist or carpal joint, hooked bills, a fleshy cere, relatively short but powerful legs and feet, and sharp, curved talons. The sexes are alike although females are larger than males.

Identification: The only falcon recorded; a powerful flier, with pointed, rather broad-based wings and slow, stiff wingbeats, often appearing quite stocky. Sexes alike, although females appreciably larger than males. ADULT; upperparts blue-grey; underparts white, narrowly barred grey; crown black, extending to prominent moustachials which contrast with white throat; legs, cere and eye-ring yellow. JUEVENILE / IMMATURE: Similar to adult but browner overall with streaked rather than barred breast.

Behavior: Feeds principally on birds which are pursued at speed and caught in flight, often following a stoop from a great height.