Re: GRASPING IN BIRDS OF PREY

["Tim Williams" <tijawi@hotmail.com>]

Darren Naish wrote:

> New World vultures (aka cathartids or vulturids) have weak feet with
> poorly developed trochleae and flexor tubercles, shallow collateral
> fossae and only gently curved unguals when compared with other birds
> of prey. As is well known, they have poor grasping abilities and don't
> use their feet to manipulate objects.

The Vulturidae ("Cathartidae"), which include the New World vultures 
(buzzards)and condors, are predominently carrion eaters.  Their victims are 
usually dead before the bird shows any interest in trying to eat them.  
Vulturids are uncharacteristic of birds in having an excellent sense of 
smell.

As most people on this list would be aware, vulturids are closer to the 
stork lineage (Ciconiiformes) than to the Falconiformes, which includes the 
Old World vultures and most of the "traditional" birds of prey (the real 
raptors: eagles, hawks, falcons etc).

Congratulations on the little one, Darren.


Tim

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