birding-aus

Raptors and Butchers

To: Birding-aus <>
Subject: Raptors and Butchers
From: "Evan Beaver" <>
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 12:48:25 +1000
What is it that defines a raptor? My curiosity was piqued a few months ago
when discussing Tawny's and someone casually mentioned that 'as we all know,
Tawny Frogmouths aren't raptors'. I didn't know, and so it got me wondering
what defines a raptor? Is it a hooked beak and talons distinction? I don't
think it's diet, as surely a Currawong or Kingfisher would meet those
requirements.
And so that brings me to my favourite bird, the Grey Butcherbird. Do they
predate (verb of predator?) other birds? After I watched one dispatch a few
mice recently I have no doubt that they're capable, but are they interested?
I reckon a pardalote would be about the same size as a mouse, but probably
not as tasty. They seem to have a taste for bacon too, but who can blame
them?

--
Evan Beaver
Lapstone, Blue Mountains, NSW
lat=-33.77, lon=150.64
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