Lifestyle and Habits
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Large hawks and eagles are generally more visible to an observer than are accipiters, or woodland hawks. They hunt from high in the air, swooping down on prey in open areas. Their broad wings enable them to soar for long periods of time, using thermal updrafts of air. In addition, their keen eyesight allows them to hunt over large areas from great heights. Hawks and eagles kill and carry their prey with their large feet and talons.
The fish-eating osprey hunts over areas of shallow water. It watches for movement in the water, suddenly dives and returns with a fish in its talons. The fish is carried with its head forward to reduce air resistance in flight.
Unlike hawks and eagles, the turkey vulture does not usually kill its own food. It is a carrion eater that feeds on the carcasses of animals killed by predators or found dead from other causes. Vultures, therefore, do not possess the long, sharp talons of hunting birds.
Migration
Like many other species of birds that breed in Alberta, most species of large hawks and eagles migrate in winter to areas where food is more easily obtained. Most species migrate out of Alberta in winter. However, bald and golden eagles occasionally overwinter in areas of the province.
Unlike most migratory birds, hawks and eagles are not designed for prolonged, flapping flight. Their wide wings and broad tails are adapted for soaring on rising air currents. For this reason, migration routes of many hawks and eagles generally follow mountain ridges where such updrafts are common.
